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Disney Cruise Discounts and Deals

LAST UPDATE: 5/13/24

Disney Cruise discounts can be hard to find, but this is the place to find them! Listed below is every known deal, offer, coupon, onboard credit or discount available for Disney Cruise Line (DCL), plus lots of FREE information about how to save money on a Disney cruise!

Easy Ways to Save on Your Disney Cruise

Onboard credit.

• New! Last-Minute Restricted Stateroom Discounts

Onboard Booking Discount

• Discounts for Florida Residents
• Discounts for Military
• Discounts for Canadian Residents
• Discounts for European Residents
• Discounts for Annual Passholders
• Discounts for Southern California Residents
• Discounts for UK and Ireland Residents
• Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders
• Discounts for Disney Vacation Club Members

Group Incentives

Costco rebates, travelocity deals on disney cruises, expedia deals on disney cruises, other useful disney cruise line information pages:.

• For tips and tricks that will help you plan your cruise , visit the Planning Tips & Tricks for Disney Cruises page .
• For advice that will help you save time and get the most out of your cruise once you are onboard , visit the DCL Onboard Advice page .
• For advice that will help you with excursions, tours and activities while in port, visit the Tips & Discounts for Port Excursions page .

In our opinion,  you should always book a Disney cruise with a third-party travel agency or site that provides a bonus or discount . The extra onboard credit or discount is effectively FREE money. The primary question is whether you prefer to handle your bookings directly ( self-service ), or work with a personal agent ( full-service ). They’re both good options and they both offer essentially similar savings: one via their own extra-discounted fares and the other via FREE onboard credit. 

Booking a Disney Cruise With a Self-Service Site

Our pick for self-service booking is Undercover Tourist . We’ve recommended them for more than a decade as a fantastic source for tickets, but they also have impressive deals on Disney cruises. Unlike other self-booking options like Expedia or Priceline, Undercover Tourist adds an additional discount over and above any special pricing Disney offers (like restricted guarantee , Military , or Florida resident rates)! We know of no other site that adds their own discounts to the baseline fare for Disney cruises. Occasionally one of the big online travel sites will do a limited-time small onboard credit or in-room gift, but Undercover Tourist offers extra discounts , on every Disney cruise, every day. Undercover Tourist further guarantees to MouseSavers readers that you will always get their lowest possible prices when booking through our links here and through our monthly newsletter and Hot Deals emails.

Keep in mind that this is a self-service option , for people who know exactly what cruise they want to take, what stateroom, how dining works, etc. If you like to handle your own bookings directly, Undercover Tourist is a great choice. If you would like to have a personal agent who can help guide you through the decision process and be available to answer questions, then the full-service approach will be a better fit.

• Check out Undercover Tourist’s discounted cruise rates for Disney Cruise Lines ! Undercover Tourist guarantees MouseSavers readers get their lowest rates!

Booking a Disney Cruise With a Full-Service Agent

The benefits of using a top travel agent are significant, both in convenience and price. First off, the best travel agents give you onboard credit, which is effectively FREE money, since the cruise fare isn’t any higher than if you booked through Disney. Furthermore, Disney Cruise Line has lots of confusing options involving tradeoffs that aren’t always clear. Using an experienced travel agent is like getting a FREE expert who knows everything about the Disney Cruise Line and is happy to walk you through the process and offer advice.

The travel agency we personally recommend here on MouseSavers.com, Small World Vacations , has some of the most experienced agents in the industry . The agents who handle cruise bookings for Small World have been on multiple Disney cruises, and know a truly astonishing amount about all four ships, the various Disney ports of call and all the common itineraries (and many uncommon ones). Many of them are Platinum members of Disney’s Castaway Club, meaning that they have personally been on 10 or more Disney cruises! They each have a direct phone number and email address they give out to their clients, so you can email them questions or requests any time.

Small World Vacations offers an onboard credit of up to $1,000 when you book a Disney Cruise with them. (Credit depends on your total cruise fare; the minimum fare to get credit is $1000.) Your onboard credit is good toward anything you can charge to your room, such as spa treatments, special dining, shore excursions or even your bar tab! Plus, this onboard credit offer is on top of any other discounts for which you may qualify (like restricted guarantee , Military , or Florida resident rates). And perhaps most importantly, the Small World Vacations agents know how to maximize value by making use of tricks like secret porthole rooms , secret verandah rooms , secret connecting rooms , and other clever strategies.

We pretty rarely encounter a deal that qualifies as a “no brainer,” but this is absolutely one, because it’s effectively FREE money . Small World Vacations’ fares are exactly the same as Disney’s; there are no other hidden markups or extra fees. The onboard credit is a bonus you won’t get booking with Disney.

Finally, if you’re going on a Disney cruise, be sure you take advantage of the onboard booking discount and list Small World Vacations as your preferred travel agent (or transfer the booking to Small World Vacations after your cruise is over), because it’s an essentially risk-free way to get significant discounts from Disney plus onboard credit from Small World Vacations in one fell swoop on a future cruise.

If you have any questions about onboard booking, email your questions directly to Small World Vacations at [email protected] before you leave on your cruise, and mention that you heard about onboard booking on MouseSavers.com. In our experience, the travel agents at Small World Vacations are great at finding the best fares. They know all the tricks that will save you money, and they know the Disney Cruise Line inside and out. We’re confident that once you work with a really great travel agent, you’ll never want to book a cruise any other way.

• Learn more about the Small World Vacations onboard credit offer and request a price quote for your Disney cruise .
• Small World Vacations gives you full service , including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number, and we recommend them wholeheartedly ! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS they give you FREE onboard credit for any Disney Cruise Line booking of over $1000 total fare!

Onboard credit is cash value linked to your stateroom account on the ship, which you can spend by using your room key to pay for pretty much anything on the ship or on Castaway Cay. Onboard credit can be used for merchandise, adult beverages, bottled water, spa treatments, shore excursions, Palo, Remy, Palo Steakhouse or Enchanté meals, and other onboard activities, or even applied to gratuities for your servers and stateroom attendant.

Small World Vacations Onboard Credit

The travel agency we personally recommend here on MouseSavers.com, Small World Vacations , offers an onboard credit of $50 – $1000 when you book through them. (Credit depends on your total cruise fare; the minimum fare to get credit is $1000.) To learn more, visit the Small World Vacations website , where you can see full details about the onboard credit offer and request a quote on your cruise vacation .

Last-Minute Restricted Stateroom Discounts

Restricted Guarantee fares, when offered, are a great way to save if you are flexible about your stateroom location and willing to book “last minute,” usually meaning 21-75 days prior to departure. The savings can be very large, but you won’t know your exact stateroom at booking time. Disney guarantees you will get at least the stateroom type specified, and you could get assigned a higher level. You usually will get an actual stateroom assignment about 14 days before embarkation, but it could be assigned as late as the embarkation day.

There are complicated rules for Restricted Guarantee bookings ; be sure to read them if you’re not already familiar with them. The “Restricted Guarantee” room categories are offered on select sailings. The categories are:

• Guaranteed Inside Stateroom with Restrictions (category IGT) – Guarantees an inside or better stateroom (minimum category 11C)
• Guaranteed Oceanview Stateroom with Restrictions (category OGT) – Guarantees an oceanview or better stateroom (minimum category 9D)
• Guaranteed Verandah Stateroom with Restrictions (category VGT) – Guarantees a verandah or better stateroom (minimum category 7A)

New! As of May 13, 2024, the following cruises had availability in the Restricted Guarantee categories . Prices given are lowest available fares for a single stateroom, in US dollars, including taxes, fees and port expenses, rounded to the nearest dollar. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise.

General Notes:

• A single guest gets charged essentially the same price as two guests. (Cruises are generally priced for a minimum of two guests per cabin.)
• 5-passenger rooms are not available with this discount .
• These discounts come and go as room inventory for a cruise changes. If you check for one and it doesn’t come up, it may come back. It’s worth checking back a few times over the next day or two to see if the discount becomes available again.
• If a price isn’t listed, that doesn’t mean the category is completely sold out , just that it isn’t available with this discount.

Select number of guests to see total sailing price (for one stateroom):

• If you are interested in booking one of these special restricted last-minute rates , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.
• Small World Vacations is a full service agency, offering a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number. It costs you nothing to use them, PLUS their FREE onboard credit offer applies to these special fares (the total cruise fare for the stateroom must be at least $1000 to get their onboard credit). 
• Undercover Tourist is a self-service booking site similar to Expedia or Priceline, but with years of focus on the Disney travel market. They offer the special rates mentioned above PLUS they add their own discounts. 

Important details you need to know about Restricted Guarantee fares:

• Can be combined with the Small World Vacations onboard credit offer as well as Undercover Tourist’s own bonus discounts.
• Cannot be combined with any other Disney discount or promotional offers.
• The specific stateroom is assigned by Disney, generally within a week of cruise departure. You cannot select a stateroom number or make special requests as to stateroom location.
• If you book two or more Restricted Guarantee staterooms, there is no way to ensure that they are near each other, or even on the same deck. Disney will put the rooms as close together as they can, but sometimes they just don’t have any rooms left that are near each other.
• Applies to new bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.
• Full payment is due at time of booking. Booking holds are not permitted.
• Reservation is non-refundable . (This only applies to situations where you cancel the cruise. If Disney cancels the cruise, for example because of pandemic restrictions, you will get a refund.)
• Reservation and applied payment are non-transferable .
• Full legal names and birthdates for all stateroom occupants are required at time of booking.
• Name changes after booking are not allowed .
• Sail date, stateroom category and cruise itinerary changes are not allowed .
• You can book a maximum of four people per stateroom on a Restricted Guarantee booking.
• There is typically more availability for three or fewer guests per room. All Disney Cruise staterooms can hold three guests, but only some can hold four.
• If you’re looking for these cruise fares on Disney’s web site, look for fares labeled “Guaranteed Inside Stateroom with Restrictions” or similar for Oceanview or Verandah. The key words are “…with restrictions.”

The one major change that you can make after booking: additional guests can be added to a stateroom, subject to space restrictions. Restrictions and booking rules are subject to change.

If you are going on a Disney cruise and think there is any chance you or a friend or relative may want to go on another Disney cruise in the next 24 months, be sure to book a future cruise while you are still onboard the ship . Disney has one of the most generous onboard booking programs in the cruise industry, and it’s a great way to get a discount and lower deposit on a future Disney cruise. When you book a future cruise while still onboard the ship you get all of the following benefits:

• A 10% discount on the final cruise fare (with some blackout dates ; see below). Does not apply to Concierge bookings.
• A lower deposit requirement of only 10% on 7+ night cruises (regular deposit requirement is 20%). Does not apply to Concierge bookings.
• If you booked your current cruise with Small World Vacations and also use them as your agent for the future cruise , you’ll also get half their normal onboard credit . (Note that if you didn’t book your current cruise with Small World Vacations, the onboard booking agents may not let you add Small World as your agent while onboard. In that case, you would have to transfer your booking to Small World after you get home, but you would still be eligible for half their normal credit.)

You can book either a specific cruise or a “placeholder” cruise. A placeholder lets you make a booking without picking a specific cruise. It can be associated with a specific cruise later, after you get home and decide. To book a specific cruise onboard, you put down a deposit of 10% or 20% of the whole fare, depending on the length of the cruise. To book a placeholder, you put down a flat $250 deposit per future stateroom. When you change a placeholder to a specific cruise booking you’ll have to pay any increase in deposit. Keep in mind, there is an advantage to booking a specific cruise as early as possible: you lock in the rate. So, if there is a cruise you might want to take, it’s a good idea to book that specific cruise rather than a placeholder. Even if you’re not 100% sure that’s your perfect cruise, remember you can change it later with no penalty.

If you ultimately decide not to take a cruise, Disney will refund 100% of your deposit or placeholder payment . You always get a 100% refund as long as you haven’t passed the penalty date (120-75 days from sailing, depending on the cruise), and you didn’t book a concierge room or suite. There’s basically no risk, though it does tie up some deposit money while you think about your options.

You can change almost every aspect of your booking as many times as you need to and still keep the benefits . The name of one adult in each stateroom must stay the same, but you can change the names of any of the other guests, or increase or reduce the number of guests. You can change the stateroom category. You can change the ship or the sailing as long as the sail date is within 24 months of the initial booking date. If you end up changing to a more expensive booking, you’ll need to make up the difference between your original deposit and the new deposit. Keep in mind that if you later add a guest to a stateroom, they will get added at current rates, not at your initial booking rates. For the lowest final price and most flexibility, it’s a good idea to make the initial booking with everyone who might go, rather than only the people you know are going to go.

You get the full discount for up to two future staterooms or placeholders per household (i.e. per mailing address). Once you leave the ship, you can’t book more , so we recommend booking two (or more) every time, if you can afford to tie up the deposit money. If you later decide that you want to bring another family along, or put the kids in their own stateroom, you’ll be glad to have two rooms booked with the discount.

You can get the full discount for friends or relatives who are not sailing on your cruise. You’ll need your friends’ full legal names (as written on their passport) and their birth dates. Under the current rules, the first stateroom or placeholder you book with this discount on the future cruise needs to include at least one adult who is on the current cruise, in addition to anyone else you want to add, and then the second stateroom can have anyone in it. For example, say you wanted to book a cruise for your friends, the Smith family. You could book one room for your own family, then book the second room (on the same cruise) for the Smith family.

If you already have a future cruise booked, you can usually “re-shop” your existing booking and get the discount. However, you basically have to make a new booking and cancel the old one, and the price might have gone up since you booked originally, potentially wiping out your discount. Be sure to compare the bottom-line price for both bookings.

A few other terms & conditions:

• There is no discount or lower deposit for 1- or 2-night sailings, IGT, OGT and VGT Restricted Guarantee bookings, or concierge staterooms and suites.
• You can get the 10% discount and reduced deposit on a maximum of two staterooms per household.
• Onboard booking incentives CANNOT be combined with any group discounts organized by a travel agency.
• Disney could change these rules and benefits at any time. Check onboard for the latest terms.

Onboard Discount Blackout Dates:

Please note: there is no 10% discount when you book the following holiday and peak dates onboard (but you do get the smaller deposit):

• Disney Dream : 3/31, 11/23, 11/27, 12/21, 12/26, 12/30
• Disney Fantasy : 3/23, 3/30, 6/8, 11/23, 12/22, 12/26, 12/29
• Disney Magic : 6/6, 11/25, 12/29
• Disney Treasure : 12/21, 12/28
• Disney Wish : 3/25, 3/29, 4/1, 11/25, 12/23, 12/27, 12/30
• Disney Wonder : ( none announced yet )
• Disney Dream : ( none announced yet )
• Disney Fantasy : ( none announced yet )
• Disney Magic : ( none announced yet )
• Disney Treasure:  ( none announced yet )
• Disney Wish : 4/14, 4/18, 4/21
• The full legal names of everyone who is going to go on the future cruise, as listed on their passport or birth certificate
• The number of rooms you want to book and what type ( inside, outside, verandah or placeholder )
• Who’s in each room ( keeping in mind the maximum passengers for each room type )
• Specific cruises you’re interested in, if you plan to book a cruise and not a placeholder ( or just rough notes with your needs/restrictions like dates or region )
• Birth dates for everyone ( optional, but makes everything go smoother )
• Bring the info with you on the cruise. If you just want to book a basic placeholder, you can do that while on the cruise with the Disney Navigator App on your phone (if you don’t already have it, just search for “Disney Navigator” in the Apple or Google app stores; you can download it before the cruise leaves to save time). If you want to do anything more complicated you’ll need to talk to a consultant at the future cruise desk.
• If you can’t or don’t want to use the the Navigator app, at some point early in the cruise, go to the Future Bookings Desk on deck 4 and either fill out a form, or just put your room number and name on the sheet you brought (if it has all the details on it they’ll need) and drop it in the box. You can also wait for a consultant if they’re there, or check the schedule and come back when they’re scheduled to be there. If you drop off a form, they’ll secure a hold on a reservation and leave a printout by your stateroom door. If the reservation looks good, either go back to the desk to finish the booking or call 7-2848 from your stateroom phone. Either way, when the booking is done ask for a printed confirmation of your final reservation.
• Before you leave the ship, confirm that everything is correct . You should have a printed confirmation or an emailed confirmation. The confirmation should show that your deposit is paid (if not, the booking will be canceled). If this isn’t on your confirmation, go to the Future Bookings Desk or Guest Services and make sure everything is correct. If you are working with a travel agent, verbally confirm that they are listed on the reservation before you leave the ship.
• That’s it! If you booked a “placeholder” cruise, you can start the process of finding your actual cruise. If you are using a travel agent , email them to let them know you booked onboard. Once you’ve settled on the cruise you really want to take, change the booking as soon as you can to the actual sailing date to lock in the lowest possible fares and get the best choice of staterooms.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Florida Residents

As of May 13, 2024, the following cruises had availability in the Florida Resident category . Prices given are lowest available fares for a single stateroom, in US dollars, including taxes, fees and port expenses, rounded to the nearest dollar. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise. The room category available at that fare is in parentheses.

• 5-passenger rooms are rarely discounted for Florida residents , but they do show up occasionally.

Other stateroom categories may be available at other rates. Rates are per adult, based on double occupancy. Occupancy restrictions may apply. Excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions. Other discounts do not apply. Only one discount may be used at a time. Rates in US dollars.

A copy of a valid proof of Florida residency for at least one adult in each stateroom needs to be transmitted (via fax or email) within 48 hours when booking with the Florida rate, and the same proof will need to be produced at check-in. The other guests in each stateroom do not need to be Florida residents.

• If you are interested in booking one of these special Florida resident rates , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Disney Cruise Discounts For Military

Members of the US military and their families qualify for special cruise rates.

As of May 13, 2024, the following cruises had availability in the Military category . Prices given are lowest available fares for a single stateroom, in US dollars, including taxes, fees and port expenses, rounded to the nearest dollar. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise. The room category available at that fare is in parentheses.

• 5-passenger rooms are rarely discounted for military members , but they do show up occasionally.

Valid for new bookings only. Other stateroom categories may be available at other rates. Rates based on double occupancy. Occupancy restrictions may apply. Excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions. Other discounts do not apply. Only one discount may be used at a time. Rates in US dollars. The following are eligible for the Military rate: active duty or retired military; 100% disabled retired military; reservists for National Guard and Army Reserve with active duty orders (active duty papers must be dated as of January 1st of the previous year to qualify); Department of Defense personnel.

Military personnel may book one stateroom under the military rates program. A second stateroom may be confirmed, if needed, to accommodate immediate family members only. For example, a family of two adults and four children may confirm two staterooms, based on availability, with the offer. Extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) do not qualify as immediate family members for the second stateroom. Active duty or retired military personnel and 100% permanently disabled veterans do not have to travel as long as their spouse has a valid military ID to show at the port. Reservists must be part of the travel party and must show ID at the port.

• If you are interested in booking one of these special Military rates , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Canadian Residents

Canadian residents sometimes qualify for special rates on select sailings on Disney Cruise Line.

As of May 13, 2024, the following cruises had availability in the Canadian Resident category . Prices given are lowest available fares for a single stateroom, in US dollars, including taxes, fees and port expenses, rounded to the nearest dollar. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise. The room category available at that fare is in parentheses.

• 5-passenger rooms are rarely discounted for Canadian residents , but they do show up occasionally.

Select number of guests to see total sailing price:

Proof of Canadian residency will be required at time of check-in (your passport is fine).

• If you are interested in booking one of these special Canadian resident rates , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Disney Cruise Discounts for European Residents

European (EEA) residents sometimes qualify for special rates on select sailings on Disney Cruise Line. When they become available we list them below.

No current offers.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Annual Passholders

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders sometimes qualify for special rates on select sailings on Disney Cruise Line. When they become available we list them below.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Southern California Residents

Southern California residents (ZIP codes 90000 to 93599) sometimes qualify for special rates on select sailings on Disney Cruise Line.

Prices given are lowest available fares for a single stateroom, in US dollars, including taxes, fees and port expenses, rounded to the nearest dollar. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise. The room category available at that fare is in parentheses.

• 5-passenger rooms are rarely discounted for Southern California residents , but they do show up occasionally.

A copy of a valid proof of Southern California residency (ZIP codes 90000 to 93599) for at least one adult in each stateroom needs to be transmitted (via fax or email) within 48 hours when booking with the Southern California rate, and the same proof will need to be produced at check-in. The other guests in each stateroom do not need to be Southern California residents.

• If you are interested in booking one of these special Southern California resident rates , we recommend either Small World Vacations or Undercover Tourist . We have worked with both companies for over 15 years and can recommend them wholeheartedly. It’s really a question of whether you prefer full-service booking or self booking. These staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Disney Cruise Discounts for UK and Ireland Residents

There’s a useful site listing the latest Disney Cruise Line deals for UK visitors, plus a FREE phone number you can call to learn more and book your cruise!

• Learn more about UK offers for Disney Cruise Line.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Disney Visa Cardholders

Disney Visa cardholders who use their card as their payment method onboard automatically get several discounts on purchases on the ship and on Castaway Cay. In order for this to happen, you have to register your Disney Visa card when you check in at the port. You do not need to charge the cruise fare on your Disney Visa to get the discounts.

You should not need to ask at purchase time to get the discounts; if you have the card registered any discounts should automatically be applied when you make an eligible purchase.

These discounts cannot be combined with any other discounts you might qualify for, such as Disney Vacation Club discounts.

Discounts include:

• 10% off selected merchandise purchases of $50 or more. Excludes sale merchandise, gift cards, Castaway Cay merchandise, DVDs, CDs, big-ticket items like art, jewelry, fragrances, cosmetics and watches, plus several vague catch-all categories like “selected special items.” Basically, ask first if you’ll get the 10% off, if it’s important to your purchase decision.
• 10% off 10-photo, 15-photo, 20-photo or unlimited photo packages.
• 10% off the Castaway Cay Getaway package (combination of snorkeling, bicycle and float or inner-tube rental).
• 20% off full-priced massage or facial treatment in the onboard spa while in port . This does not include massages on Castaway Cay or treatments discounted as part of onboard specials.

Disney Cruise Discounts for Disney Vacation Club Members

Dvc onboard spending discounts.

Disney Vacation Club members get several discounts on purchases onboard any Disney Cruise. You need to ask for the discount and show your Disney Vacation Club card at time of purchase.

This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts you might qualify for, such as Disney Visa discounts. DVC members who only own points purchased via resale after April 4, 2016 are not eligible for discounts, including this one.

• 10% off selected merchandise purchases of $50 or more.
• 10% off any digital photo package.

DVC Cruise Fare Discounts

The following cruises have discounts available for Disney Vacation Club members for up to 3 persons (some may also be available for 4 or 5). Prices given are base fares per person (Guest 1 & 2/Guest 3+). 3rd, 4th and 5th guest fares for children 12 and under will be lower. Taxes, fees and port expenses are not included. All sailings are from Port Canaveral unless noted otherwise.

Other stateroom categories may be available at other rates. Rates are per adult, based on double occupancy. Occupancy restrictions may apply. Taxes, fees, port expenses and excursions are not included. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for details and applicable terms and conditions. Other discounts do not apply. Only one discount may be used at a time. Rates in US dollars. Offer open only to Disney Vacation Club members.

• If you are interested in booking one of these special Disney Vacation Club rates , we recommend filling out a quote form with Small World Vacations . They give you full service, including a personal travel agent you can contact by email or direct phone number, and we recommend them wholeheartedly ! Best of all, it costs you nothing to use them, PLUS their FREE onboard credit offer applies to these special fares (though note that the total cruise fare must be at least $1000 to get their onboard credit). Be sure to tell them you want to book a Disney Vacation Club fare. You will need to fax or email proof of DVC membership to finalize the booking. Note that these staterooms often sell out fast, so if you see one you like, snag it quickly.

Organizing your own group? Disney Specialist travel agents are adept at handling large groups and offer on-board credit and sometimes other incentives. Contact a Disney Specialist travel agency such as Small World Vacations for details. Remember, it costs you nothing to use them!

Costco members can get rebates on Disney cruises, which come in the form of a Costco gift card. However, Costco Travel is not a full-service travel agency: don’t expect much service or information.

In our experience, Costco reps are very nice, but don’t know much about Disney Cruise Line. They almost certainly have never been on a Disney cruise, and may have never been on a cruise of any kind. If you choose to go this route, be prepared to spend time and energy doing your own research about what your package includes and how everything works. Heaven help you if you need to book something complicated like connecting rooms or want to know the pros and cons of different stateroom options. Costco Travel most definitely won’t be able to offer any insider tips on what to expect or help you take advantage of special booking tricks or “secret” room upgrades. Effectively you’re just booking the cruise yourself, but through Costco instead of Disney.

In addition, we find the Costco reps are clueless about Disney’s promotional offers — they really only know about the Costco rebate. You will have to do your own monitoring to see if any specials or price drops come out, and then see if you can get them applied to your booking. A top-notch Disney specialist agency will do this for you automatically, adjusting your reservation to reflect any current offers or discounts.

Travelocity sometimes has special deals on Disney cruises. They are usually fairly last-minute offers, most typically no more than 6 months in advance. Travelocity also sometimes advertises “15% off shore excursions” but be aware that those are privately booked excursions through a company called Port Promotions, NOT the official Disney excursions.

Expedia has the same base prices as everyone else, but occasionally they will have their own additional offer, like onboard credit or extra Expedia rewards points. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully; in some cases there are sharp limits on the extra rewards or credit, or it will only apply to the cruise fare for the first two guests instead of the entire cruise fare.

The Disney Cruise Family Travel Blog

Travel and Fun Things To Do

Placeholder: 8 Questions and Answers

Updated January 21, 2024

What is a placeholder?

A placeholder is a special onboard discount offer on a future Disney cruise. You pay $250 to get a placeholder; the $250 goes towards the cost of the future cruise.

The Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer allows Guests to make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise and enjoy 10% savings off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com, plus enjoy a reduced deposit on sailings 7 nights and longer . The offer is valid for up to 2 staterooms on one sail date per household on board, regardless of the number of adults in the household. This offer is valid for Categories 4 to 11 only. The cruise must commence within 24 months after the Placeholder Reservation was booked, or the reservation will automatically cancel.

Why should I book a Placeholder?

To save 10% off the prevailing cruise rate of your future cruise. Also, for cruises 7+ nights, the deposit is 10% of the cruise fare. Cruises under 7 nights require a 20% deposit of the cruise fare.

A Placeholder Reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows Guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A $250 deposit must be paid while on board and is fully refundable if the reservation is cancelled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.

How do you book a placeholder?

As I mentioned, you can only book your placeholder while aboard a Disney cruise. There are now two ways to book: the DCL Navigator app or going to the Future Cruise Sails desk and picking up a form.

Where do I go to book the placeholder?

Update March 2023 . The Future Cruise desk is not regularly open since Covid. Book your placeholder on the app. Go to the Future Cruise desk, complete the form and drop it into the box located on the desk. I always take a picture of the form after I fill it out, just in case it gets misplaced at the Future Cruise desk. Choose the save 10% off your next cruise on the app. You will be taken to the payment page. If you want to use a different card than the one you have on file, you can.

Your placeholder will be pending until the payment has cleared through the system. I would recommend taking a screenshot of the page in case you have any problems and don’t receive a confirmation of your placeholder.

When can I use my placeholder?

You must use it within 24 months of booking. Disney is strict with the deadline. If the next cruise you want to book is a day after the placeholder expires, you will not be able to use it.

Pro tip: book it as late on the cruise as you can. Don’t wait too late, though. The 10% off future cruise link disappears at midnight of the last full day. I waited too long and had to go to the Guest Services desk to request a form.

10% savings applies only to sailings that commence within 24 months after the Placeholder Reservation is booked on board.

Who can book a placeholder?

Anyone over the age of 18 can book up to two staterooms on one sail date per household onboard.

What is the catch?

You can not use a placeholder on blackout dates or for concierge-level bookings. Also, you currently need to call Disney to apply the placeholder to your chosen cruise. Therefore, if you are booking on opening day, you could be on the phone, on hold for hours.

Blockout dates apply; please contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific block out dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on block out dates are not eligible for the 10% savings offer. The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special Rates.

Can I transfer it to my travel agent or Costco?

Yes, you have 30 days from purchasing the placeholder on the ship to transfer it to the TA of your choice if you did not name one when you purchased it.

What if I forget to book a placeholder?

I know this is the answer to question number nine, but recently Disney started a new offer for first-time cruisers. Once you disembark your first cruise, you can save up to $350 on your next one with the Castaway Club Welcome Offer . You can save up to $50 a night on the first 7 nights of your second cruise if you book it within 60 days of disembarking.

I hope that I answered many of the questions about placeholders for booking a future Disney cruise. Make sure you check my post about joining a fish extender exchange. Sign up for the newsletter to keep up to date with the latest Disney news and discounts . Check out some of our other tips and tricks for your next Disney Cruise.

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, that if you make a purchase through my links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site.

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28 thoughts on “ placeholder: 8 questions and answers ”.

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We last cruised in February 2020 before the COVID shutdown. We secured a placeholder while on board. Do you know if placeholder deadlines have been extended since cruising has not yet resumed?

As far as I know, if you book a cruise with a placeholder before it expires you can use it to book a cruise up to Fall 2022. If you have not used your placeholder and the expiry date passes DCL will refund your money.

In my Castaway Club account, my pre-COVID placeholder is listed as one of my cruises with a Jan 1, 2034 date in a GTY room.

With the placeholder to I need to cruise within 24 months or do I need to book within 24 months?

Your cruise needs to begin within 24 months.

Hi, as a very lucky cruiser in the UK we did a 3 day cruise based in the UK, whilst onboard we booked a placeholder an received a confirmation email. I have just tried to use but was informed this couldn’t be used as the option was not taken? I booked the original through a T/A and they are confused also. Disney cruise not that helpful when called, any ideas what I can do? I have checked my credit card and they have not taken payment

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Hi – one additional point with the new way of booking On-Board Booking placeholders – if you use the app it will default to your credit card on file. We like to purchase ours with Disney Gift Cards (since we get those at a 5% discount from Target) and there’s no way to do that via the app. You have to go to Guest Services while on the cruise, tell them you want to purchase a placeholder with a Gift Card, and they will set up the order for Disney to follow up with you when you are back home to take the payment and give you your reservation number. It’s a very inefficient system – some folks have had to wait a considerable period of time before getting that call. I ended up calling DCL and getting it arranged when I returned home by calling them instead of waiting for them to call me. Just wanted to share my experience on this specific item. Thank you for all this wonderful info!

How do we actually apply the placeholder credit when booking? I can’t figure it out.

You need to call DCL to apply the placeholder for your booking. The $250 you paid for the placeholder will go towards your deposit.

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Does the 10% discount apply to a cruise booked in the 24 months or is that only for booked cruises while on the current cruise ? Thanks, I can’t seem to figure that part out !

I am not sure what you are asking? The 10% is for any regularly priced cruise fare. The cruise must begin within 24 months of when you booked the placeholder. If your cruise starts on the July 17, 2022 and you book the placeholder on July 21, 2022. You can get the discount on ant cruise that begins by July 21, 2024. It is always a good idea to book your placeholder near the end of your trip. I hope that answers your question 🙂

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Re: the Costco transfer: The 30-day countdown begins on THE DAY YOU PURCHASE THE PLACEHOLDER. You need to purchase a cruise AND transfer it to Costco within that window. If you buy the placeholder and then purchase a cruise with it more than a month later, you are SOL.

My wife and I bought a placeholder onboard the Vancouver-Hawaii cruise last April, and then later that summer, used it to buy a Northern Europe cruise for this September. The next day I called Costco to transfer it, and they couldn’t do it because the purchase date of the cruise gets listed as the purchase date of the placeholder!

Yes, you must transfer the placeholder within 30 days of purchasing it.

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One placeholder ($250) will give you a 10% discount on up to two rooms on a future cruise? Or is it purchase two placeholders ($500) for use on a 10% discount on two rooms on a future cruise? 1 placeholder=1 discounted room or 1 placeholder=2 discounted rooms? Also, if two placeholders purchased they have to be used on SAME future cruise? I’m reading conflicting answers throughout various posts and not sure what is true/false

You need 1 placeholder for 1 discounted room. If you purchase two placeholders on a cruise they must be used on the same cruise. I hope that helps 🙂

Hi! My husband and I are taking our second Disney cruise in February (we got a placeholder last year). On this cruise, can we get placeholders for two cabins with one being for us and the other for my daughter and her family?

Yes you can. Each cabin can book up to two placeholders to be used on one future cruise.

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If we use our placeholder for back to back shorter cruises do we get 10% discount on both cruises? Or would it just be on the first one?

No, sadly you only get the discount on one cruise.

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An unofficial disney cruise line news, information, weather, and photo blog..

Disney Cruise Line’s 50% Off Required Deposit Offer Returns for Select New Bookings Through February 16, 2024

Disney Cruise Line is preparing to ring in the new year by once again offering a 50% off initial deposit promotion for new bookings departing between June 17, 2023 and May 31, 2025 which do not require final payment at time of booking. Remaining balance will be due at time of final payment. This offer excludes Disney Treasure sailings departing December 21, 2024 through January 4, 2025.

Similar to previous years, this year’s promotion includes 3-night sailings.

Embark on a tropical cruise to the Caribbean, The Bahamas or Mexico with fun-filled voyages sailing from Florida, Texas and California—or choose from one of our other itineraries to awe-inspiring locales including Alaska, Europe and beyond. Plus, now’s your chance to experience the all-new Disney Treasure. With so many exciting voyages, there’s no better time to cast off with Disney Cruise Line on the family vacation you’ve been dreaming about. The Bahamas Chart a course from Port Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale on an unforgettable Bahamian cruise and discover a tropical world awash with sand and surf—with many including a visit to our private island Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Caribbean Find paradise on an extended voyage to the sun-kissed Caribbean to destinations including St. Thomas, Jamaica and Grand Cayman, where you can swim, sunbathe and soak up the fun at our private island Disney Castaway Cay. You can also shop for unique handmade goods, explore fascinating historic sites and savor the local cuisine of our scenic ports of call. Alaska Enjoy adventure amidst glaciers at a seaside brimming with natural beauty—where exciting wildlife like bears and moose roam free—on an Alaskan cruise from Vancouver. Navigate the Inside Passage to historic mining towns or catch a glimpse of majestic whales in the sea. Europe Vibrant culture and timeless allure are yours to discover on an adventure amid the seaside villages and historic cosmopolitan cities of Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Retreat to landmark destinations along the British Isles, set your sights on picturesque ports of call among the Norwegian Fjords or find fun in the sun in Spain, Italy, Greece and the French Riviera. Mexican Riviera Journey along the Baja Peninsula from San Diego, California to Mexico on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Sunbathe along white-sand beaches, snorkel amid translucent waters teeming with vibrant sea life and savor the flavor of authentic Mexican cooking at charming open-air restaurants along the way. Book Today To make a reservation for one of the above cruises, reserve online or contact your travel agent. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. The promotion includes itineraries in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Mexican Riviera departures. Click here to see the full summary of the half off deposit promotion on DCL’s website.

When you book a qualifying cruise you are only obligated to put down half of the required deposit on the day you reserve the itinerary. It should be noted that this promotion is not a discount on the total cruise fare, but rather a discount on the initial deposit required when booking a Disney Cruise. Remaining balance due at time of final payment. See below for some additional fine print.

Important Details for the 50% Off Required Deposit Offer

• Remaining balance due at time of final payment.
• Valid for new bookings only on select sailings booked through February 16, 2024.
• Valid on select cruises sailing between June 17, 2024 and May 31, 2025 that do not require final payment at time of booking.
• This offer is valid from December 18, 2023 through February 16, 2024.
• Not valid on Disney Treasure sailings departing December 21, 2024 through January 4, 2025.
• No code is needed.
• Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses, gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
• Not valid on categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT), suites or Concierge-level staterooms.
• Rates are in US dollars.
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line  Terms and Conditions .

To make a reservation for one of the above cruises, reserve online, call (866) 325-2175 or contact your travel agent. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Most years, Disney Cruise Line announces this half-off deposit promo in December which ends shortly before the Summer itinerary release announcement . Below is a history of sorts to see the number of days the promo runs and the number of days following the end of the promotion and the summer itinerary release announcement. From time to time there have been extenuating factors that caused an announcement delay past the typical release period.

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11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Two travel truths right now are that travel has become very expensive and air travel is more unpredictable and unpleasant than normal. Personally, I spent $700 round-trip each on domestic economy tickets to take my kid to summer camp 1,000 miles away. That's absolutely insane.

On the other end of the spectrum, another type of travel is having a different kind of moment.

This type of travel remains affordable and typically isn't as stressful as dealing with airports, delays and cancellations. In fact, I'd argue it's the most relaxing and affordable vacation available right now: a cruise ship.

Personally, I'm partial to Disney Cruise Line .

Disney Cruise Line has a reputation for being expensive and designed just for families — though neither of those things actually has to be true . While these cruises can be more expensive than some other cruise lines, if you can select a port you can drive to, you may be surprised at how affordable a Disney cruise can be when viewed as an all-in vacation price.

Here's how to save money on a Disney cruise — and find the cheaper Disney cruises that start at around $500 per person (based on double occupancy) for the entire experience.

That's less than that painful $700 flight — which, unlike a cruise, doesn't include accommodations, meals or entertainment.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Pick the dates that start at just over $1,000

Yes, Disney Cruise Line costs more than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, but throw away the notion that a Disney cruise is unattainably expensive. It simply isn't true. The peak school break weeks are expensive, but with so many three- and four-night sailings, you can choose a long weekend and avoid those pricey weeks if you want to.

As an example, two people can sail for three nights from Miami to the Bahamas on Disney Dream from Friday, Sept. 9 to Monday, Sept. 12 for just $1255.72 in a verandah cabin (not some windowless inside space).

Good luck finding a hotel you actually want to stay at that weekend for three nights in Miami for that price — and remember this $1,256 rate is the price for the entire cruise experience, not just the room.

You don't have to sail from Florida ports during hurricane season to find that $1,000-ish price point. You can sail for roughly the same price from Galveston, Texas to Mexico on Disney Magic in January 2023 on a four-night cruise to Mexico for just $1,441 for two people in a balcony cabin.

Adding two kids to that same Galveston itinerary to make a trip for four people would raise the price to $2,324.

Or, sail from San Diego to Mexico starting at $1,086 in an inside cabin or $1,278 for a verandah room.

Think about it. That $2,324 rate from Galveston for four people works out to $145 per person, per day — which isn't bad compared to what other trips cost these days.

For those same travel dates of Jan. 27-31, 2023, it would cost a family of four $1,444 for four nonstop Basic Economy flights on United from Houston to Cancun. Four nights of lodging at the all-inclusive Hyatt Ziva resort in Cancun (which includes meals, entertainment and a kids club, like the sailing does) come to $3,392 for those four nights.

For the flights and hotel stay, that's just over double the cost of the Disney Cruise for the same number of days visiting roughly the same destination.

Related: 7 ways the brand-new Disney Wish surprised me

Let Disney choose your cabin

A good way to save money on a Disney cruise is to let the cruise line choose your cabin in exchange for a discounted fare. These are called guaranteed rates. You pick the room type (inside, verandah, etc.) but Disney gets to be the one that selects exactly which room within that category you get.

These fares come with additional restrictions around payments and changes, but you can save up to 35% off the going rates. I've had great success with these discounted fares in the past. As long as you aren't too picky about where your room is on the ship, this strategy can be a tremendous way to save on your Disney cruise.

Book via a travel agent that gives you onboard credit

You can log onto the Disney Cruise Line website and book the cruise yourself, but you may not want to when you know a travel agent can do the work for you — and give you some credit back in the process.

The amount varies, but I've gotten up to $750 as a statement credit when I booked a pricier Disney cruise at the concierge level . On the more affordable cruises and cabins, expect the credit to be more in the $75-$200 range.

While the amount will vary, you can often get somewhere between 5-10% of the price of your cruise back in the form of a gift card or shipboard spending credit through a travel agent or even via Costco Travel .

If you aren't sure where to start, you can get offers from agents who want to book your cruise — sometimes with extra perks and credits — via Cruise Compete .

Pay with discounted Disney gift cards

At wholesale clubs, such as Sam's Club and Costco, you can reliably purchase Disney gift cards at a discount . Sometimes, these discounts get even bigger around sales such as Black Friday. But on an ongoing basis, you can usually get a $500 Disney gift card for about $485.

That's not a huge discount, but if you paid for your $3,000 Disney cruise with those cards, it would save you $90.

If you have a Target credit card, you can also save 5% on Disney gift cards at Target. On that same $3,000 Disney Cruise, that's $150 saved by going that route.

Remember that you can often earn bonus points with certain credit cards when shopping for Disney gift cards depending on where you purchase them. Office supply stores, grocery stores and even wholesale clubs can be good bonus categories for different rewards credit cards, allowing you to earn 3, 4 or 5 points per dollar on your card while you buy your gift cards.

Use your credit card points

Not all credit card points can easily translate to a "free" Disney cruise, but some can.

The easiest way to do this is to pay some — or all — of the cruise with a credit card that lets you use your points at a fixed value to erase a travel charge. This way, you could book with a travel agent to get that onboard credit and then use your points to wipe out your deposit or final payment.

For example, if you put the charge on your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you could use the miles at 1 cent each in value to wipe out the cost. The first example given, on the three-night cruise from Miami to the Bahamas for $1,255 ,would take about 125,500 Venture miles to fully erase the cash cost.

With those two welcome bonuses currently each at 75,000 bonus miles after $4,000 in spending in the first three months from account opening, that's not an unrealistic goal.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles worth $750 in travel with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card after $4,000 in spending in three months from account opening.

Upgrade at the port for less

This tip isn't exactly about saving money overall, but it is a way to get a better room for less than the original list price.

If the cruise isn't sold out, you can go to a special desk at the port before you board and ask about any space-available discounted upgrades. At Port Canaveral, where all the Disney check-in desks are on the left side of the terminal building, the upgrade desk is the rightmost desk.

The cost to upgrade will be related to the room type you've booked and the one you'd like to upgrade to. The supervisor will use a pre-printed chart to find that cost differential. It will cost less than if you had booked a better room initially, sometimes by about half, though that number varies.

On our Disney Dream cruise this spring, I was able to upgrade to a larger and more deluxe cabin for $34. Total. Get to the terminal as soon as you can if you are hoping for a suite or concierge upgrade because those are very limited and go quickly.

While I haven't done it, I've also heard that even cheaper prices become available on board once the ship sets sail, though I haven't tried that myself.

Related: Is Disney Cruise concierge-level worth it?

Save 10% by putting a deposit for your next cruise down while you're on board

The easiest way to save 10% on a Disney cruise doesn't work for your first cruise, but can work for all subsequent ones.

When you are on a Disney Cruise Line ship, you can put a $250 placeholder deposit down on a future Disney cruise to be used within two years. This can be done in your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app while on board.

You don't have to pick which cruise you want to do at that moment, but by putting that $250 in a placeholder you can not only apply that $250 when you ultimately pick your next Disney cruise but also save 10% off the rate valid on most dates and room types in the process.

That one step can save you hundreds of dollars on your vacation. Worst case scenario, that $250 is refunded to you if you don't book another cruise in the next two years. That happened to us during the pandemic, and the money came back automatically and without a problem once the 24 months were up.

Related: 12 ways new cruisers waste money on their first cruise

BYOB and skip the extras

If you are looking to trim costs on your Disney cruise, bring things from home that you would otherwise likely purchase.

For example, you can bring up to six cans of beer or two bottles of wine per person aged 21 and up. Instead of paying cruise prices for those beverages, you can bring what you want from home at regular land-based prices, up to those maximum limits.

You can also bring one case of unopened water bottles on board. These come in handy for shore excursions or when you need to hydrate by the pool. (Better yet, pack a refillable water bottle.)

Since a Disney Cruise already includes meals, room service, snacks, soft-serve ice cream, fountain drinks and plenty of entertainment, you don't need to spend anything additional on board if you don't want to. This is especially true on a new-to-you ship and on those shorter three- and four-night cruises where there is more than enough to do and explore already.

Just carry on a few beverages and skip all the extras.

If your sailing goes to Disney Cruise Line's private island, Castaway Cay , beach chairs, umbrellas, the ocean waterslide and lunch on the island are also included at no extra charge.

Seek out spa discounts

If you're focused on saving money, you'll want to skip the spa entirely on your cruise. But if nothing says vacation like a massage, you can find a discount on onboard spa services on a Disney cruise.

I've received a port day discount that was about 20% off because most people book their treatments on sea days, and the spa is less busy when the ship is docked. The Disney Visa also advertises a 20% discount on select massages or facials on port days on an ongoing basis.

I've also received $50 off a second service while checking out for my first. It's fairly common for cruise ship spas to offer discounts when you book multiple treatments.

If you don't see a discount advertised, just ask at the spa desk. That's how I got hooked up with spa deals on previous Disney cruises.

Use Disney Visa onboard cruise discounts

In addition to the 20% off select spa treatments, Disney Visa cardholders also get 10% off a Castaway Cay package that includes snorkel gear, a bike rental and an inner tube. Additional discounts include 10% off onboard merchandise purchases of $50 or more and onboard photos.

If you need time to spread out payments, those with a Disney Visa can also get a 0% annual percentage rate on their Disney vacation for six months. Right now, the card also has a welcome bonus of up to $300 toward a Disney vacation.

Related: Best credit cards for booking a cruise

Book early and go off-peak

This is a no-brainer tip to avid cruisers, but if you are newer to cruising, know that booking early and sailing off-peak are great ways to save money on a Disney cruise.

I booked our Alaska cruise for the summer of 2023 the day the calendar opened this year because the price typically increases as the sailing date nears. You can sometimes find last-minute specials, but most of the time, cruise prices only go one direction — up.

You'll put 20% down when you first book and then have until much closer to sailing to pay off the remaining 80%.

Date flexibility will also help you save money on a Disney cruise. The same itinerary that costs $2,000 in September will be up to three times more expensive if you want to sail over winter break.

If you can't find any affordable prices, I recommend scrolling the cruise list by price instead of starting with the perfect date or itinerary. A sailing you may not have initially considered may turn out to be the perfect vacation option.

Bottom line

Believe it or not, a Disney cruise can be much cheaper than a trip to the Disney theme parks. ( A cruise is often much less stressful, too .)

Remember that $2,324 four-night sailing from Galveston to Mexico for a family of four? At $145 per person, per night, it's absolutely less than a trip to Disney World. Park tickets alone these days can be close to $145 per person and Disney resort rooms are $200-$700 or more per night, depending on your resort choice.

Add food costs on top of that, and you're almost certainly well above the price of a Disney cruise.

Related: How much does a Walt Disney World vacation cost ?

If you stack on some of these tips to save money on your Disney cruise, you could knock anywhere from 10-25% off the list price, depending on how many of the tips you are able to use.

As for me, I'm seriously contemplating that January getaway from Texas that will take us to Mexico and provide for all our lodging, meal and entertainment needs in the process.

Now I just need to figure out how much in additional savings I can stack onto the already pretty fair rate.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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What Is A Disney Cruise Placeholder? Plus 3 Perks To Placing One

• Cruises and Sailing
• Disney Cruises
• Types of Travel

A Disney Cruise placeholder is an incentive to book future cruises only available to passengers while they’re on a Disney Cruise. 

If sailing with Disney Cruise Line is in your future, you’ll want to be savvy about Disney Cruise placeholders (referred to by Disney as “onboard booking offers”) before setting sail. There are so many fun things to do on Disney ships that, while they’re not a secret, it’s easy to miss booking that cruise placeholder if you don’t know the opportunity exists. This guide to placeholders and the perks (and limitations) of booking one will give you all the information to help you decide whether signing up for this discount is right for you. Spoiler alert: It probably is.

If you’ve enjoyed your time aboard one of Disney Cruise Line’s five ships and can reasonably foresee another cruise within the next 2 years, booking a placeholder makes sense and gives you something to look forward to between vacations.

What’s A Disney Cruise Placeholder?

Pretty much what it sounds like. While you don’t actually book your future cruise while you’re on a Disney Cruise, you pay a deposit that sets you up for a future discount that can be used within the next 24 months. You’ll get an overall 10 percent discount on your cruise when you book it.

The deposit is $250 per stateroom, which will go toward the cost of your future cruise. If you work with a travel planner, you’ll have 30 days to transfer the booking. Disney Cruise Line will send you a confirmation email, so just forward that to your planner/agent if you use one.

Here are some perks of booking a Disney Cruise placeholder.

1. It’s Super Easy

Here’s how to do it. If you want to take advantage of the cruise placeholder, you can do it on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app (available on Google Play and the App Store ). A couple of taps is all it takes, and the credit card associated with your stateroom will be charged. You’ll be able to see the charge in your folio, along with anything else you might have charged to your stateroom while on board (like alcohol, souvenirs, spa treatments, and so on.)

If you’re tech challenged, you can look for the Future Cruise Desk on board. Disney Cruise Line has gone increasingly digital (one recent unpopular decision was to eliminate the paper Navigator that listed daily activities), and you might have a difficult time finding the Future Cruise Desk manned. We’ve seen the Future Cruise Desk on our last two Disney Cruises (both in 2022) but haven’t seen humans at that desk once. If you want to talk to a live person before booking a cruise placeholder, or just need help, go to guest services.

You can book up to two staterooms (one sail date) per household on board.

2. It Saves You Money

Disney Cruise Line’s prices are at the high end of the cruise pricing spectrum. If you’re looking for discount prices on cruises, Disney isn’t typically going to be where you look. The cruise placeholder discount is one of the few that Disney Cruise Line consistently offers.

Ten percent off your cruise might not seem like a ton, but it’s about as good of a discount as you’re going to get with Disney. The initial deposit also goes toward the cost of your future cruise. You may be required to pay an additional deposit when you actually go to book your cruise, but your cost will be reduced by $250, so the amount may not seem as daunting.

3. It Mitigates The ‘Sad Trombone’ Of Getting Off The Ship

Cruise time always seems to be at warp speed for me. I look forward to my cruise for what seems like ages, and it’s over all too quickly. Our family is always a little mopey on that last day because we don’t want our good times to come to an end. Booking the cruise placeholder gives you that little treat to look forward to and turns a goodbye into a “See you real soon.”

Guardrails And Limitations To Be Aware Of

While booking a cruise placeholder is a good deal, there are some limitations passengers need to be aware of before they start pushing buttons in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

Don’t wait too long. The link to the placeholder in the app goes away at midnight on the last full day of the cruise, although you can check with guest services if you miss the booking window in the app.

Disney is strict with the dates. The placeholder is good for 24 months, not 24 months and 1 day. Reserve your placeholder as late in the cruise as possible (so as little as possible of your 24-month clock is ticking while you’re still on board), but don’t leave the actual booking until the last minute.

The Disney Cruise placeholder discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts. “The onboard booking offer (AKA placeholder) can be a great value to save on a Disney Cruise,” says Disney Cruise Travel Planner Karen Shelton . “Sadly, all concierge staterooms and suites are excluded from the discount.” If you’ve got your heart set on concierge, this discount won’t be any good to you. 

The biggest drawback to booking a cruise when you’ve reserved a placeholder is that you must call and book your cruise versus reserving online. Traditionally, travelers have experienced long hold times on opening day (the first day new cruises/routes are available to book), but cruisers have reported ordinary calls to the Disney Cruise Line call center to be extra long in 2022. You can eliminate the wait time by giving the cruise over to a travel agent (they’ll be the ones waiting on hold, not you), but you’ve only got a 30-day window to do that.

What’s The Catch?

There really isn’t one. Booking a placeholder is about as zero risk as it gets. If you don’t book a cruise within the allotted time, your deposit will be returned to you. You’ve got 2 years to find a cruise, book it, and sail, but if that doesn’t happen, you’ll get your full deposit back. Other than having $250 tied up for 2 years, there’s no risk to booking a cruise placeholder, so if you think you’re going to want to be a repeated Disney cruiser within the allotted time, booking that placeholder is probably a smart decision.

Related Reading:

• 6 Tips For Saving Money On Drinks During Your Disney Cruise
• Here Are My 10 Favorite Experiences On Board The First Disney Wish Cruise
• 5 Best Small Ship Cruise Lines

Although Jill is an expert in Texas travel and theme park travel, she'll jump at the opportunity to go just about anywhere. From multigenerational trips to couples getaways, Jill never met an adventure she didn't like. Her most memorable travel experience was when her adult daughter took her to Morocco for her 52nd birthday, affirming that the travel bug has been successfully passed to a new generation.

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Get 50% OFF Your Next Disney Cruise Line Deposit For a Limited Time!

By Kelly Oliveros Leave a Comment

If you’re planning a Disney Cruise , you’ll need to select what destination you want to visit , what ship you want to set sail on , when you want to travel, what type of room you’d like, and more.

Disney Dream

Once you’ve made all of those decisions, it’s time to get booking and pay that deposit. But what if you could book your cruise and only pay HALF of the deposit cost right now (giving you more time to pay the rest of it in the future)? Well, thanks to Disney’s latest deal…you CAN!

For a limited time, Disney is offering 50% off the required deposit amount for select Disney cruises.  That means you’ll only have to pay 50% of the deposit amount you’d normally have to pay at the time you book it.

The offer is only valid for new reservations for select Disney cruises departing from June 18th, 2022 through May 31st, 2023.  Note that if the cruise you’re booking requires final payment at the time of booking, then this offer won’t work. Again, note that the offer says “select” cruises, so be sure to check if the cruise you’re looking at qualifies.

©Disney Cruise Line

Once you’ve booked your qualifying cruise, you’ll only have to pay 50% of that required deposit. The remaining balance will be due when your final payment is due .

This offer does NOT apply to sailings on Disney’s newest cruise ship — the Disney Wish — from June 9th, 2022 through September 30th, 2022,  so that’s something to keep in mind.

Ahhh those pools!

The Disney Cruise Line website notes some of the cruise locations that qualify for this discount. You could save on your deposit on cruises that can take you to The Bahamas, Alaska…

…the Mexican Riviera, and more.

To qualify, you need to make that new booking by March 11th, 2022. So be sure to mark that date down and book before then! There are some other restrictions that apply to this deal, you can see more of those below.

This could be a great way to get that booking in with a much lower up-front cost, giving you more time to pay the remaining cruise amount. We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more cruise deals you can take advantage of and we’ll let you know what we find.

Click here to take a virtual tour of the NEW Disney Wish Cruise Ship!

What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Are you planning a trip with Disney Cruise Line soon? Tell us in the comments!

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Disney Cruise Deals – Top Ways to Get Discounts on a Disney Cruise

Setting sail with Disney Cruise Line is one of the most magical ways to vacation at sea. As soon as you board the ship on embarkation day, you’re treated like royalty. It all starts with a majestic name announcement as you enter the Grand Hall for the first time. From that point on, you’ll enjoy a cruise of a lifetime that’s filled with the Disney Difference. With character experiences, entertainment, activities, dining, clubs, and so much more, you’ll be ready to book another Disney Cruise before you disembark which means finding the best Disney Cruise deals is essential!

There is so much that’s included in the price of a Disney Cruise. Later on in this article, I will go into further detail about everything that’s included. For this reason, a Disney Cruise can arguably be a more affordable Disney vacation than a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World . However, saving even more money when possible is always a plus! Great deals and discounts can be a lifesaver .

In this article, I’m going to dive into different savings and discounts that are available for Disney Cruise Line.  I will go over different types of deals, where to get them, and how you can get assistance with planning your Disney Cruise. Keep reading to sea all of the wonders that come along with a Disney Cruise as well as ways to save!

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

Book Your Disney Cruise Adventure Now!

No matter what level of cruiser you are, Get Away Today is ready to help! Whether this is your first time sailing with Disney Cruise Line, your first cruise in general, or if you’ve gone on many cruises before, a Get Away Today agent will be able to assist with all of your needs. Your agent will help you pick the perfect sailing length, destination, stateroom, Port Adventures, and anything else you may need. They will handle all of the details of vacation planning so you can simply enjoy your magical Disney Cruise!

Even if you’re an experienced cruiser, Get Away Today’s agents can add so much value to your trip! With their experienced travel professionals in your corner, you’ll be able to rest assured that you are in good hands. Their industry knowledge of Disney Cruise Line will be put to use to help you plan the perfect trip for you and the rest of your party. Not only will you have continued support from the time you start planning with them, they will also be available to help you during your cruise and after you return back home.

You can view the currently available dates for  Disney Cruises 2024 and Disney Cruises 2025 in our guides. After viewing the dates be sure to come back and request a FREE quote from our travel partner for your cruise .  For a limited time, Mickey Visit readers get up to a $400 onboard credit.

Even though you may have gone on many Disney Cruises and are comfortable with booking your own trip, using an agent from Get Away Today offers you convenience and relief of stress that comes along with vacation planning. You won’t have to take the time to plan, book, remember deadlines and payments, or any other details.

Disney Cruise Line Price Factors

Before we look at the discounts and special offers that are available for Disney Cruises, let’s first take a look at how much a Disney Cruise costs without any discounts. Unlike theme park tickets, there isn’t one specific price that I’m able to list that will cover all of the available cruises. The price of a Disney Cruise varies depending on a few factors. The price of a cruise will be affected by things such as travel dates, how many nights you’re sailing, destination, how many Guests are in your party, if you’re sailing on a standard or specialty cruise, which ship you’re sailing on, and what level of stateroom you want to stay in.

There are ten destinations that Disney Cruise Line sails to.

• Alaska Cruises
• Bahama Cruises
• Caribbean Cruises
• Europe Cruises
• Hawai’i Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• New Zealand and Australia Cruises
• Pacific Coast Cruises
• South Pacific Cruises
• Transatlantic Cruises

Not only are there many destinations that Disney Cruise Line sails to, there are also fifteen ports that Disney Cruise Line departs from!

• Auckland, New Zealand
• Barcelona, Spain
• Brisbane, Australia
• Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Galveston, Texas
• Honolulu, Hawai’i
• Melbourne, Australia
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Port Canaveral, Florida
• San Diego, California
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Southampton, England
• Sydney, Australia
• Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada

Currently, Disney Cruise Line has six ships in its fleet. These ships are:

• Disney Magic
• Disney Wonder
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Wish
• Disney Treasure

When it comes to staterooms, there are four different levels that you can choose from: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge. Inside Staterooms are on the innermost part of the ship. They are adorned with porthole mirrors, but have no actual view of the outdoors. Oceanview Staterooms have at least one (possibly two) porthole windows that give you beautiful views of the open ocean when you’re out at sea. As the name suggests, Verandah Staterooms have their own private verandahs. These are open-air balconies that provide you with a place to sit and take in the exquisite views that you’ll have. Verandah Staterooms are also the largest of the non-Concierge level staterooms. Concierge Staterooms are the most upscale (and priciest) stateroom option. These staterooms come with premium amenities and services. They also have large private verandahs.

How Much is a Disney Cruise?

Since there are so many different factors that could predict the price of your Disney Cruise, I’m going to pull up a quote for one specific cruise. This will give you a general idea of how much Disney Cruises cost without any discounts.

For this example, I’m looking at a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral for 4 Guests from September 14th-21st, 2024 on the Disney Fantasy (This is also a Halloween on the High Seas sailing.)

• Inside – $5,575
• Oceanview – $6,359
• Verandah – $6,457
• Concierge – $16,859

These prices are for all 4 Guests, including Taxes, Fees, & Port Expenses.

For this specific cruise, the price per Guest is:

• Inside – $1,393.75
• Oceanview – $1,589.75
• Verandah – $1,614.25
• Concierge – $4,214.75

Let's not forget everything that’s included in the price of a Disney Cruise! This price not only already reflects all of the taxes, fees, and expenses for a 7-Night specialty Caribbean Disney Cruise, but it also includes all of the Disney Cruise Line inclusive benefits!

Read more about the full breakdown of what a Disney Cruise costs in our guide. 

Disney Cruise Line Special Offers

When looking for discounts and deals on your Disney Cruise, make sure that you take a look at what special offers Disney Cruise Line has. Currently, Disney Cruise Line has seven special offers available. These offers range from a deposit promo, to resident discounts, Military discounts, and more! Let’s take a look at what’s available.

50% Off Required Deposit – LIMITED TIME OFFER – Book a Disney Cruise by February 16th, 2024 and only pay half of the required deposit. This offer is valid for new reservations only for sailings that take place between June 17th, 2024 and May 31st, 2025. (The regular deposit amount for a Disney Cruise is 20% of your reservation amount. Book your cruise with this special offer and your deposit amount will only be 10% of your reservation total!)

Save Up to 30% on Select Sailings – For this deal, there are a number of select sailings with discounts available. The highest amount off is 30%. This offer is valid only for new bookings and non-Concierege level staterooms. If you’re using this deal, full payment is required at the time of booking.

• 15-Night South Pacific Cruise ending in Honolulu
• 4-Night Bahamian Cruise
• 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise with Pixar Day at Sea
• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise with Pixar Day at Sea
• 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
• 13-Night Eastbound Transatlantic Cruise ending in Barcelona
• 12-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise

Florida Residents Save Up to 25% – Florida Residents can save on select Caribbean Cruises with this Disney Cruise Line deal.

• More Florida Resident rates are also available for a 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral with Pixar Day at Sea on February 24th, 2024

Save up to 25% on Select 2024 European Sailings – This offer is valid only for new bookings and non-Concierge level staterooms. If you’re using this deal, full payment is required at the time of booking.

• 13-Night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland Cruise

U.S. Military Rates

Special rates for Disney Cruises are available for U.S. Military members. These rates are available for select cruises and can only be applied to new bookings. Military discounted rates are limited to one stateroom per military member, per sailing.

• 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Save Up to 30% on Select Australia Sailings – This offer is valid only for new bookings and non-Concierge level staterooms. If you’re using this deal, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Canadian Residents Save Up to 25% – Canadian Residents can save up to 25% on multiple different cruises. This offer is good for select 2024 sail dates.

• 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Cast Away Club Rewards

Disney Cruise Line has a rewards program called Castaway Club . The more cruises that you sail on with Disney, the more rewards you’ll receive! All you need to do to become a member is sail one time with Disney Cruise Line.

There are four different tiers of Castaway Club Members: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Pearl. You will become a Silver Member after completing 1 sailing, a Gold Member after completing 5 sailings, a Platinum Member after completing 10 sailings, and a Pearl Member after 25 sailings. When you’re a Castaway Club Member, you’ll receive exclusive benefits such as early booking dates, exclusive cruise terminal check-in, complimentary dinners, complimentary photo packages, and discounts.

These exclusive deals include discounts on Disney Cruise Line voyages. After your first sailing, you’ll receive a Castaway Club Welcome Offer . With this offer, you can receive up to $350 off of a future 7-night or longer cruise. To receive this discount, you must book within 60 days after you disembark from your first Disney Cruise.

New members aren’t the only ones who receive deals on Disney Cruises. All members of Castaway Club receive special booking offers for future sail dates!

Disney Visa Cardmember Cruise Savings

Disney Visa Cardmembers can receive savings on Disney Cruise Line. However, these savings are different from the ones that we've currently been looking out.  There aren't currently any Disney Cruise Line discounts for Disney Visa Cardmembers where you will be saving a portion off of your trip. However, there are still savings and perks that Disney Visa Cardmembers can use in regards to their Disney Cruise!

Disney Visa Cardmembers can save on Disney Cruise Line merchandise, spa treatments, and other Disney Cruise Line packages. Here are all of the Disney Cruise Line deals that Cardmembers can receive. You must use your Disney Visa Card on these purchases in order to receive the discounts.

• Photo Packages – Receive 10% off a non-discounted photo package. This offer is good for 10-photo, 15-photo, 20-photo, and all-inclusive digital photo packages.
• Merchandise – Receive 10% off of select merchandise onboard Disney Cruise Line ships.
• Castaway Cay Packages – Receive 10% off of a Castaway Cay Getaway Package. This package includes snorkeling, bicycle rental, and float or inner-tube rental.
• Spa Treatments – Receive 20% off of a non-discounted massage of facial service onboard Disney Cruise Line ships. This offer is only available on port days.

New Disney Visa Cardmembers can also save with Disney Cruise Line. New Cardmembers can earn a $300 Statement Credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of their account being open. You can easily earn this $300 statement credit by using your new Disney Visa Card to pay for you Disney Cruise!

Other Disney Cruise Line Deals

Costco has exclusive Disney Cruise Line deals and promotions available exclusively for their members . Currently, they only have one offer with savings. However, with every Disney Cruise that you book with Costco, you'll receive a Digital Costco Shop Card. If you're unfamiliar with this, a Digital Costco Shop Card is an electronic gift card that is sent to you via email. This gift card can be used exclusively at Costco.

The Disney Cruise Line deal that Costco is currently offering is the Reduced Deposit Deal . With this deal, you can book select 2024 and 2025 Disney Cruise Line Sailings with a reduced deposit. This offer is valid for new bookings only and cannot be used on Concierge Staterooms. To receive the Reduced Deposit Deal, you must book your Disney Cruise through Costco by February 16h, 2024.

Currently, AAA does not have any special Disney Cruise Line deals. They can, however, help you filter through the different itineraries that are available and help find you the lowest price possible for the cruise that you're searching for! There are also additional benefits that you can receive by booking your Disney Cruise with a AAA agent.

While not guaranteed, it is possible that you may receive onboard ship credit from your AAA agent. There is also the possibility that you could receive discounts on hotels, activities, and rental cars that are associated with your cruise plans. To find out more about what AAA can offer you for your Disney Cruise, contact them today!

Last Minute Disney Cruise Deals

You can find some of the best deals on Disney Cruises by booking them last minute. The timeframe for a last-minute cruise is usually 60 days out from the sail date. Due to the last-minute status of the booking, stateroom availability is limited. You most likely will not find out the location of your stateroom until about 14 days out from your sailing (or less). But this is a great way to find Disney Cruise deals if you're flexible!

Book Your Disney Cruise

There are so many ways that you can get Disney Cruise deals! The best part about these savings is that they're available to both new and seasoned cruisers. When you're ready to book your Disney Cruise, don't forget that you will get the best price and assistance when you go through Get Away Today .

Their experienced travel professionals are aware of all of the deals and savings that are available for your Disney Cruise. Let them take the time to find the best way to save you the most money possible. They will also handle the rest of details for your trip. Get Away Today's agents will take care of everything so you can focus on enjoying your time at sea!

What's Included in a Disney Cruise

The best part about the price of a Disney Cruise is that it includes so much. Plus, there’s something for everyone! Your cruise cost will include your stateroom, dining, entertainment, access to pools and other recreation, youth clubs, a visit to Disney’s Private Island(s), plus access to nightclubs and lounges.

Don't forget to read our full Disney Cruise Line packing list so you don't forget the essentials!

The staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships are made with families in mind. They provide enough space for everyone to be comfortable when getting ready, spending time in the room, and going to bed for the night. Additionally, there is plenty of space for all of your luggage! The raised beds provide space underneath to store all of your suitcases and bags.

Other standard amenities include:

• Split Bathrooms ( in most staterooms ) – These split bathrooms make it easier for more people to get ready at the same time. One of the bathrooms has a shower, sink, and mirror. The other bathroom has a toilet sink and mirror.
• Bathroom Amenities – In the bathrooms, you’ll find Disney Cruise Line branded toiletries. These toiletries are from the H2O+ Spa line. The products include Sea Marine Revitalizing Shampoo, Sea Marine Revitalizing Conditioner, and Sea Salt Body Wash. There is also a hairdryer provided.
• Refrigerator – The dining options on Disney Cruises are exceptional! Having a refrigerator in your room is a nice to way to keep any left-overs that you may have. It’s also a great way to keep your drinks cool.
• Television and In-Room Movies – If you’re having some down time in your stateroom, there are plenty of entertainment options provided on the television.
• Housekeeping – On Disney Cruises, housekeeping happens twice a day. This also includes turndown service to get your stateroom ready for the night!

You’ll never have to worry about what to eat when you’re on a Disney Cruise. Food is available 24 hours a day! From snacks and quick bites to quick-service and full-service meals, Disney Cruise Line has it all!

Dining Options Include:

• Complimentary Beverages – Soda, tea, and coffee are available for your convenience in multiple areas around the ship. You can find them in the dining areas as well as on deck.
• Quick-Service Dining – You can walk up to the available Quick-Service Dining locations and get a quick meal at your convenience. These dining options vary depending on which ship you’re on. On the Disney Wish, the Quick-Service Dining options are Mickey’s Smokestack Barbeque, Donald’s Cantina, Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill, and Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream.
• Themed Dining – On each Disney Cruise ship, there are three Main Dining restaurants. These dining locations are all full-service meals where you can sit back and relax while you’re waited on. These restaurants are also themed, with fun and exquisite details, and of course Disney storytelling. Again, these restaurants will vary depending on which ship you are on. On the Disney Treasure, you will find Plaza de Coco, Worlds of Marvel, and 1923.
• All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Soft-Serve Ice Cream – Whether you’ve been soaking up the sun on deck, or you’re just craving a sweet treat, stop by and get yourself some soft-serve ice cream… as many times as you’d like!
• 24-Hour Room Service – You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods delivered directly to your state room with the 24-Hour Room Service that's available on Disney Cruise Line. Breakfast food is delivered from 7am-10am and then lunch and dinner items are available for the rest of the day and night.
• Late-Night Snacks – Not only can late-night food be enjoyed with your room service, adults can also indulge in late-night snacks at the adult-only nightclubs and lounges.

Entertainment

Disney is known for its great entertainment. Live entertainment, nighttime spectaculars, movies, and more. We’ve experienced it at theme parks, on Broadway, at movie theaters, and even in the comfort of our own home. It’s no different when it comes to a Disney Cruise!

Entertainment includes:

• Characters – Just like at the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line has a variety of character meet and greets. Get ready for hugs, autographs, and pictures with your favorite Disney characters. Enjoy the special outfits that the characters wear throughout the sailing. You can even meet rare characters on some of Disney Cruise Line’s specialty cruises!
• Disney Movies – While you’re on the deck, in the pool, or in one of the ship’s theaters, you can enjoy some of Disney’s great movies. Disney Cruise Line shows both classic Disney movies as well as new ones that are being shown for the first time!
• Live Music – Throughout the ship, you’ll be able to see and enjoy live music.
• Broadway-Style Musicals – Across the fleet of Disney Cruise Line ships, there are a number of extravagant musicals for you to enjoy. These musicals include Beauty and the Beast, Frozen – A Musical Spectacular, Tangled: The Musical, Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular, Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story, Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, Disney’s Believe, Disney Seas the Adventure, The Golden Mickeys, The Little Mermaid, and Disney: The Tale of Moana.
• Shows, Trivia, Mixers, and Karaoke
• Kids Clubs – Children can enjoy some time with their peers in Disney Cruise Line’s imaginative kids clubs . These clubs, as well as the activities in them, are organized and geared towards specific age groups. Specially trained Disney counselors are at all of the kids clubs for supervision, help, and to assist with activities.
• Adult-Only Nightclubs and Lounges – The adults have a chance to get away for a moment by themselves to eat, drink, and dance at Disney Cruise Line Nightclubs and Lounges .
• Fireworks at Sea – There’s something special about Disney fireworks. Of course this isn’t something that could be left out of a Disney Cruise. Watch as magic fills the sky during these amazing nighttime spectaculars.

Pools & Recreation

There’s plenty of water fun to be had on the Disney Cruise Line ships. All of the ships have a variety of different pools, water play areas, and waterslides for all different age groups!

• Little ones can enjoy themed water play areas where they can splash around in fountains, misters, and more! These areas are exclusively for little cruisers ages 3 and below.
• Kids can enjoy the shallow depths of Mickey’s Pool or the water playground at AquaLab. The water slides also provide fun for children of all ages.
• Goofy’s Pool and Donald's Pool are both considered family pools. Everyone can enjoy splashing around in the water and participating in fun activities.
• On the Disney Fantasy, you can also find an Adult-only area called Satellite Falls. This is a splash pool that features a cascading rain curtain.
• For a more thrilling experience, you can try one of the water coasters: AquaDuck or AquaDunk . These are similar to water slides, but you’re being propelled through a tube. You even get to go through an acrylic tube over the side of the ship!

For those who are looking for a place to workout during their cruise, you can head to the fitness center onboard the ship. Here you’ll find weight machines, cardio equipment, and even fitness classes!

Island Destinations

Another inclusive part of a Disney Cruise is the opportunity to stop at an island destination. Currently, the destination is Disney’s Private Island, Castaway Cay. Beginning in the summer of this year, sailings will head to Disney’s newest island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Both of these islands are located in The Bahamas. In order to stop at either (or both) of these islands during your sailing, you must sail on a Bahamian or Caribbean cruise. For more information on both of these island destinations, head over to these detailed articles to read more about each one!

• Disney’s Castaway Cay
• Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point

Themed Disney Cruises

Disney Cruise Line has a number of themed cruises that bring even more fun and adventure to the sea! Currently, these themed cruises include Pixar Day at Sea, Marvel Day at Sea, Halloween on the High Seas, and Very Merrytime Cruises. During these cruises, you will be able to enjoy themed dining, character encounters, merchandise, activities, and more!

Pixar Day at Sea

During Pixar Day at Sea , you’ll join your favorites from Pixar movies such as Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and Toy Story! Character experiences during this charming day will include characters like Mike and Sully, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Woody, and Jesse! You’ll also be able to sing and dance with a wide array of Pixar characters during the Pixar Pals Celebration. And the fun doesn’t end there! An Incredible Deck Party is a super way to lead to the firework finale. The Incredibles are.. well.. incredible, but they may need your help saving the day during this deck party!

There are three different themed dining options available during Pixar Day at Sea. Hey Howdy Breakfast is a musical breakfast where you’ll be joined by Woody, Jesse, and Bullseye! Pixar Day at Sea Dinner serves up delicious dishes that are inspired by your Pixar favorites! During Undersea Magic with Crush , you’ll enter the world of Finding Nemo for your meal. But don’t forget… “Fish are friends. NOT food!”. While you eat, you’ll be able to see friends from the movie and possibly have a chance to talk with Crush!

Pixar Day at Sea is available on select 7-Night Caribbean sailings. These sailings take place from January through March. If you’re interested in experiencing Pixar Day at Sea, book now before it’s too late!

Marvel Day at Sea

Assemble your crew for an amazing day during Marvel Day at Sea . This special sailing is packed with over 30 Marvel Super Heroes and Villains. Suit up and get ready for scheduled photo opportunities with Thor, Loki, Black Panther, Shuri, Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, and Captain America (Sam Wilson). Other heroes that you may spot throughout the ship are Captain America (Steve Rogers), Star-Lord, Gamora, Hawkeye, Kate Bishop, Shang-Chi, Black Widow, and others!

There is no shortage of activities for you to enjoy during this heroic day.

• Dress up as your favorite Marvel Super Hero or Villain.
• Catch showings of Marvel movies up on deck or in the Buena Vista Theater
• Children ages 4-12 have the opportunity to participate in training to become part of the next generation of Super Heroes!
• Test your skills during Marvel trivia.
• Learn how to draw Marvel Super Heroes at Animation Academy.
• Watch Marvel TV animated series on deck during Funnel Vision screenings.
• Enjoy an interactive Super Hero session.

Of course, being Marvel themed, this cruise is action packed! There is so much entertainment throughout the day.

• Warriors of Wakanda Show – Okoye leads the Dora Milaje during this thrilling demonstration. During this demonstration, you will learn what training is like for the Dora Milaje!
• Strange Academy: A Spellbinding Spectacular – During this show, you’ll experience first-hand the power of the mystic arts with Doctor Strange and Sorcerer Supreme Wong.
• Mickey and Minnie’s Super Hero Celebration – You won’t want to miss seeing your favorite pals in their Super Hero best! Make sure to stop by to see Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy in their special costumes!
• Star-Spangled USO Show – At the Evolution Dance Club, you can see this tribute to Captain America. With singing, dancing, music, and possibly an appearance from Captain America himself, this is a show that you won’t want to miss!
• Marvel Heroes Unite – Marvel Super Heroes take flight during this action-packed nighttime spectacular. This display includes stunts, special effects, and pyro. Both Super Heroes and Villains will make an appearance as you watch an epic battle that takes place within the Multiverse.

Marvel Day at Sea is available on select 5-Night sailings to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Halloween on the High Seas

Celebrate this spook-tacular time of year with Disney Cruise Line! During Halloween on the High Seas, you’ll experience not-so-scary activities, thrilling entertainment, special character meet and greets, and treats! The entire ship is decorated with Halloween decor. You won’t want to miss the magical Halloween Tree in the Grand Hall!

• Mickey’s Mouse-querade – This scary good celebration brings out all of the Halloween fun! See your favorite Disney characters in their Halloween best. Join them by wearing your costume too!
• Themed Meet and Greets – During this eerie cruise, you’ll be able to see characters in rare Halloween costumes. Stop by to see Minnie, Daisy, and Clarabelle dressed as the Sanderson Sisters!
• Halloween Activities – Everyone can join in on the fun and make Halloween themed crafts together.
• No tricks, just treats! – During this cruise, you’ll be able to indulge in Halloween-themed desserts and drinks. Of course, there will also be trick-or-treating!

Halloween on the High Seas takes place during most sailings from late September through Halloween.

Very Merrytime Cruises

‘Tis the SEA-son to sail with Disney Cruise Line! Experience the magic of the holidays mixed with the magic of Disney during Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises. These sailings include gorgeous decor, holiday-themed entertainment, activities, and merchandise!

• Holiday Decor – You’ll be filled with the heart-warming feelings that come with the sight of cozy holiday decorations. The ship is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Decorations that you can expect to see are lights, garlands, poinsettias, and a 24-foot Christmas tree.
• Tree Lighting Ceremony – Join Mickey and Minnie for the holiday tradition of lighting the Christmas tree!
• Holiday Deck Show – This deck show is filled with music and holiday cheer. Gather those you love and enjoy the show.
• Character Meet and Greets – The ship isn’t the only thing that gets dressed up for the holidays. Your favorite Disney characters will be dazzling in their holiday finest and ready to take a picture with you!
• Santa Claus – Santa Claus will also be available for photo opportunities. Make sure that the little ones are ready to share what’s on their wish list this year!
• Activities for Kids – Holiday-themed crafts and activities will be available for the little ones and anyone else who would like to join in on the fun with them!
• Merchandise – Holiday-themed Disney Cruise Line merchandise will be available during Very Merrytime Cruises. Grab the perfect gift for your loved ones at home or for yourself!
• Holidays on the Islands – Celebrate the holidays on both Castaway Cay and, for the first time this year, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point!

There are so many different Disney Cruise Line options, there is something for everyone!

Ready to Plan Your Disney Cruise?

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Here are some of our other guides helpful planning guides

• Disney Wish – Tour of Disney's Newest Ship
• Guide to Disney Cruises – What You Need to Know
• Top Tips For Your First-Time Disney Cruise
• Review of the Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise – Worth It?
• Walt Disney World Hotel Reviews – Best Hotels On Property
• Disney Cruise Line Packing List

Disney Cruise Deals Q&A

September is usually the cheapest month to go on a Disney Cruise. The main reasoning for this is hurricane season. Bookings aren't as popular during this month because Guests want to avoid storms and the possibility of cancellation.

Yes, you can often find Disney Cruises on sale. You can find special offers directly on Disney Cruise Line's webpage.

The price of a Disney Cruise for a family of 4 depends on quite a few factors. The price of a Disney Cruise varies depending on the destination, length of sailing, travel dates, ship, and which stateroom you choose to stay in.

Yes, it can be cheaper to book a Disney Cruise last minute. However, if you're able to, I would suggest to book a Disney Cruise as soon as the booking period opens up. This is also a very cheap time to book a Disney Cruise and you will have more options available to you. Your stateroom location will be more restricted when you book last minute.

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About Rebekah Brown

Rebekah's love of Disney and passion for writing is what led her to Mickey Visit and Disney Dose. Her first visit to Walt Disney World was when she was a young child. Now she enjoys her Disney vacations with her own two children, husband, and parents. Rebekah will keep you up to date on all things that have to do with Walt Disney World. As a frequent visitor, Rebekah will share both her knowledge and personal experience with you through her articles.

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Placeholders & Onboard Bookings

Disney cruising onboard booking and placeholder tips.

Is there much worse than having to leave such a magical ship? Many who neglect or simply forget to take advantage of an On-Board Booking or Placeholder typically find their way to the Disney Cruising Group Facebook page soon after debarkation and share their regrets. Don’t be that person – read up!

Do your research at home so that you are ready to choose specific dates and itineraries when you book onboard. If you are unsure of your future sail date, just book a placeholder cruise. The onboard booking agents are very familiar with this process. Also contact your travel agent if you have questions.

Go to the Future Cruise Desk on Deck Four on the first night of your cruise. The line for onboard booking can get long toward the end of the sailing and if you make any changes to your reservation, it is easier to do on the ship. Bring something to read while you wait, or use the drop box to request your booking (more on this below).

Get a written reservation confirmation showing that your deposit has been paid before you disembark. If you use a travel agent, make sure they are listed on the reservation.

Use the drop box for onboard booking forms at the Future Cruise Desk and skip waiting in line.

Onboard booking allows you to book up to 2 staterooms on ONE future sail date. Name changes to the reservation may be made so long as one adult on the original booking remains on the reservation. Even if you intend to sail concierge, use onboard booking. While you don’t receive the discount on concierge level rooms, you do receive the onboard credit. Plus, if you have to downgrade when you return home to a non-concierge category the 10% onboard discount would then apply to your non-concierge category. Your concierge deposit is non-refundable.

Why is this important? Booking on ship comes with more than just beautiful surroundings. The perks are big!

Cruises of 7 nights or longer receive a 10% discount, a 10% deposit Cruises less than 7 nights receive a 10% discount, 20% deposit

Book On Board and Save!

Save on a future Disney Cruise Line vacation by taking advantage of our special onboard-only booking offer. When you do, you’ll enjoy the following:

• 10% Discount off Prevailing Rates
• Reduced Deposit on 7-Night or Longer Sailings

Visit the Disney Vacation Planning Desk—located on Deck 4, Midship—to speak with a Crew Member and to book your next Disney cruise. Unsure of which cruise to take? No problem! You can even reserve a placeholder on a future sailing and decide later.

Onboard Offer Blockout Dates

Onboard offer terms and conditions.

The Disney Cruise Line Onboard Booking Offer allows Guests to reserve a future Disney cruise or make a Placeholder Reservation for a future Disney cruise and enjoy 10% savings off prevailing rates as quoted on disneycruise.com, plus enjoy a reduced deposit on sailings 7-nights and longer. The offer is valid for up to 2 staterooms on one sail date per household on board regardless of the number of adults in the household. This offer is valid for Categories 4 to 11 only. The cruise must commence within 24 months after the future cruise reservation or Placeholder Reservation was booked or the reservation will automatically cancel.

• A Placeholder Reservation is an open-ended reservation that allows Guests to select their future sail date at a later time. A $250 deposit must be paid while on board and is fully refundable if the reservation is canceled. Once a sail date is selected, standard cancellation fees apply.
• If a future sail date is selected on board, standard deposit and cancellation policies apply.
• 10% savings applies only to sailings that commence within 24 months after the future cruise reservation or Placeholder Reservation is booked on board.
• Gift Cards can be used for deposits, but must be presented to a Crew Member at the Disney Vacation Planning Desk on board to process payment.
• Blockout dates apply; please inquire when booking or contact Disney Cruise Line or your travel agent for specific blockout dates. Reservations for future cruises that fall on blockout dates are not eligible for the 10% savings offer.
• The offer cannot be combined with Florida Resident Rates, U.S. Military Rates or with any other special offer or discount. Not valid on VGT, OGT, or IGT Categories with Restrictions or 2-night sailings.

Ready, set, go! Placeholder Form

Form Link here

Mark Kechula, Cruising Specialist [email protected]  or  [email protected] (757) 777-8245

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New Disney Cruise Line Offer: Save 50% Off on Required Deposits

A new offer has been announced for Disney Cruise Line , and it’s an offer that could help many guests wanting to set sail. It allows voyagers to save 50% off their required deposit at the time of booking a new Disney cruise. Let’s see what this offer is all about.

Here is what Disney released

Guests can save half-off their required deposit when they book a new Disney Cruise! With tropical cruises in the Caribbean or The Bahamas and itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Mexico, and beyond, Guests can take advantage of this limited-time offer on select sailings between June 19, 2023, and May 31, 2024.

Guests sailing on eligible cruises will only be required to pay 50% of the cruise deposit amount when they book by Feb. 17, 2023. The remaining balance will be due at the time of final payment.

Book a Disney cruise by February 17, 2023, and pay only half of your required deposit on the day you make your reservation. See Important Details below.

This offer is valid on any new reservation for select Disney cruises departing between June 19, 2023, and May 31, 2024, that does not require final payment at the time of booking. The remaining balance will be due at the time of final payment.

Embark on a tropical cruise to the Caribbean or The Bahamas—or choose from one of our other fun-filled itineraries to Alaska, Europe, Mexico, and beyond. With exciting voyages sailing from Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California, and New York, there’s no better time to cast off with Disney Cruise Line on that family vacation.

Important Details Regarding the 50% Off the Required Deposit Offer:

• The remaining balance is due at the time of final payment.
• Valid for new bookings only on select sailings booked through February 17, 2023.
• Valid on select cruises sailing between June 19, 2023, and May 31, 2024, that do not require final payment at the time of booking.
• Not valid on Disney Wonder sailings departing October 3, 2023, through March 1, 2024.
• This offer is valid from December 19, 2022, through February 17, 2023.
• US and Canada only.
• No code is needed.
• Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses, gratuities, and Port Adventures are not included.
• Not valid on categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT, VGT), suites, or Concierge-level staterooms.
• Rates are in US dollars.
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line  Terms and Conditions .

If you book your Disney Cruise Line vacation through Dreams Unlimited Travel – the official sponsor of DCL Fan – you’ll receive a complimentary gift basket filled with all kinds of great items you never knew you’d need on your cruise plus a shipboard credit of up to $1,000 based on the total amount of your cruise reservation. Request a no-obligation quote from Dreams Unlimited Travel!

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• Cruise and Hotels
• Disney Cruise
• Everything You Need to Know: Disney Cruise Deposit Policy Explained

Introduction:

Planning a Disney cruise can be an exciting and magical experience. However, understanding the deposit policy is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking process. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Disney Cruise deposit policy, including important points to keep in mind before making your reservation.

To begin, let’s take a look at a quick reference table summarizing the key aspects of the Disney Cruise deposit policy:

Deposit Amount: The deposit for a Disney Cruise is typically 20% of the total cruise fare and is due at the time of booking. This initial payment secures your reservation and allows you to take advantage of early booking benefits and promotions. The remaining balance is then due at a specified time prior to your sailing date.

Payment Schedule: Disney Cruise Line offers flexibility in payment options, allowing guests to make partial payments or pay the full amount at once. The exact payment schedule will depend on the length of the cruise and the date of booking. It is important to review the terms and conditions provided by Disney Cruise Line to ensure compliance with the payment deadlines.

Cancellation Policy: Should you need to cancel your Disney Cruise reservation, it is crucial to understand the cancellation policy to avoid any potential penalties. The cancellation policy varies based on the length of the sailing. For instance, cancellations made 74 days or more before the sail date for a 1 to 5-night cruise incur a $200 cancellation fee per stateroom, while cancellations made within 30 days of sailing are subject to a 100% penalty fee.

When planning your dream Disney Cruise vacation, being familiar with the deposit policy is essential for a stress-free booking experience. By understanding the deposit amount, payment schedule, and cancellation policy, you can make informed decisions and ensure a seamless journey aboard a Disney Cruise ship.

For more detailed information and official guidelines, please refer to the Disney Cruise Line’s official website [insert link: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/reservations/deposit-payment-schedule/]. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, where we will delve deeper into specific aspects of Disney Cruise Line policies and make your vacation planning even more magical.

How do Disney Cruise deposits work?

Disney Cruise deposits work by requiring a payment at the time of booking to secure your reservation. The deposit amount varies depending on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom chosen. For cruises lasting less than 5 nights, the deposit is typically 20% of the total fare, while for longer cruises, it is 25%. The deposit is refundable if you cancel your reservation within the specified time frame, which varies based on the cruise length. However, if you cancel after the final payment due date, the deposit becomes non-refundable. It’s important to note that the deposit does not include any additional expenses such as gratuities, onboard activities, or excursions, which are charged separately. To learn more about Disney Cruise deposit policies and payment options, you can refer to the official Disney Cruise Line website.

What is the required deposit for Disney Cruise?

When booking a Disney Cruise, a required deposit is necessary to secure your reservation. The amount of the deposit varies depending on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom you choose. For cruises of 1-5 nights, the deposit is typically $200 per stateroom, while for cruises of 6 nights or longer, the deposit is usually $1,000 per stateroom. It is important to note that the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to a future cruise if necessary. By understanding the Disney Cruise deposit policy, you can plan and budget accordingly for your dream vacation at sea. For more detailed information, visit [source link].

How do deposits work for cruises?

When it comes to booking a Disney cruise, understanding the deposit policy is crucial. Disney Cruise Line requires a deposit to secure your reservation, and the amount varies depending on the length of the cruise. For cruises lasting three to five nights, a deposit of 20% of the total fare is required, while cruises lasting six nights or longer require a deposit of 25%. The deposit is due at the time of booking and can be made through various payment methods. It’s important to note that the deposit is non-refundable, but it can be applied towards the final payment. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line’s deposit policy and to make an informed decision, make sure to check out the official Disney Cruise Line website.

Do you get your deposit back from a cruise?

The Disney Cruise deposit policy is designed to protect both the cruise line and the passengers. When booking a Disney Cruise, a deposit is required to secure your reservation. The amount of the deposit depends on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom you choose. If you cancel your cruise before the final payment due date, you may be eligible for a refund of your deposit, minus any applicable cancellation fees. However, if you cancel after the final payment due date, the deposit is typically non-refundable. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your specific booking to understand the deposit policy. For more information, you can refer to Disney Cruise Line’s official website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/deposit-payment/.

Disney cruise deposit refundable

Disney Cruise Line has a deposit policy that allows guests to secure their reservation with a refundable deposit. The amount of the deposit depends on the length of the cruise and the type of stateroom chosen. For cruises that are 1-5 nights, the deposit is typically $200 per stateroom, while cruises that are 6 nights or longer require a deposit of $250 per stateroom. It’s important to note that this deposit is refundable if the reservation is canceled within the specified time frame. For most cruises, this is 90 days prior to the sailing date. However, for holiday cruises and cruises that are 7 nights or longer, the cancellation deadline is 120 days prior to the sailing date. It’s always a good idea to review the specific terms and conditions of your reservation to understand the cancellation policy and any potential fees that may apply. For more detailed information on Disney Cruise Line’s deposit policy, you can visit their official website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.

In summary, understanding the Disney Cruise deposit policy is essential for anyone planning to embark on a magical voyage with Disney Cruise Line. This comprehensive guide has covered all the key aspects of the deposit policy, including the purpose of the deposit, its amount, payment options, cancellation and refund policies, and the importance of travel insurance.

By familiarizing yourself with these important details, you can make informed decisions when booking your Disney Cruise adventure. Remember that the deposit amount varies depending on the length and type of cruise, so it is crucial to review the specific terms and conditions for your chosen itinerary.

When it comes to payment options, Disney Cruise Line offers flexibility to accommodate different preferences. Whether you choose to pay in full at the time of booking or opt for a deposit with the balance due later, it is important to keep track of payment deadlines to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Cancellation and refund policies can be complex, but by understanding the timeframe and associated fees, you can plan accordingly and potentially minimize any financial loss. It is worth noting that cancellation fees are typically higher closer to the sail date, so it is advisable to cancel as early as possible if necessary.

While Disney Cruise Line does not require travel insurance, it is highly recommended to protect your investment and provide peace of mind. Travel insurance can safeguard you against unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or delays. It is essential to carefully review the terms and coverage of your chosen insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs.

Throughout this guide, we have referenced trusted sources such as the official Disney Cruise Line website, as well as reputable travel and cruise industry websites. These sources provide accurate and up-to-date information on the Disney Cruise deposit policy, ensuring that you have the most reliable guidance available.

Planning a Disney Cruise can be an exciting and memorable experience, and understanding the deposit policy is a crucial step in the process. By being informed about the purpose of the deposit, payment options, cancellation and refund policies, and the importance of travel insurance, you can confidently navigate the booking process and embark on your dream vacation.

Remember, the deposit policy is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning a Disney Cruise. Be sure to explore other important aspects such as itinerary options, onboard activities, dining experiences, and excursions to make the most of your magical journey.

Now that you are equipped with all the necessary knowledge on the Disney Cruise deposit policy, it’s time to set sail and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Bon voyage!

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The Best Ways To Book a Disney Cruise in 2024 [With Expert Tips]

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Table of Contents

The best ways to book a disney cruise, how to book a disney cruise with points and miles, what about the disney ® premier visa ® card, how to earn points on a disney cruise, what to do once you’re booked, final thoughts.

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Sailing on a Disney cruise is a dream vacation for many families. Beautiful ships, incredible destinations, and Disney-themed, family-friendly activities are a huge draw. But planning such an extraordinary — and expensive — vacation can be daunting, and every question seems to turn into a dozen more.

What are the best ways to book a Disney cruise to save money and get extra perks? When can you book shore excursions? What stateroom is the best for your family?

We get it, and we’ve been there. In this post, we’re going to detail the best ways to book a Disney cruise — some offer simplicity, while others include extra perks. Plus, we’ll show you how to earn points and miles on your cruise and how to use them to pay for your cruise. Finally, we’ll go over important predeparture details to remember once you’re booked.

Let’s set sail and explore Disney Cruise Line bookings!

Before booking your Disney Cruise Line cruise, gather the following important information to ensure a smooth booking process:

• The itinerary you want to book
• The number of people, including ages at the time of embarkation, in each stateroom
• The names, addresses, phone numbers, and birthdates of each guest on the reservation
• Payment information (a credit card, Disney gift card, or Disney Rewards Redemption Card)
• Castaway Club member ID, if you have one

Book Direct With Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line website is often the simplest way to book your cruise. It’s a one-stop shop that lets you quickly and easily book the best cruise for you.

You can filter the options by travel dates, destinations, departure port, and cruise length. This booking method is especially easy if you already know where you want to go or what ship you’d like to sail on.

If you’re not sure what room to book, Disney Cruise Line offers detailed looks at each ship’s stateroom options in the Our Ships tab online.

If you’re still not sure, just ask. According to Disney Cruise expert and planDisney panelist Tracie M., you shouldn’t hesitate to call Disney Cruise Line if you need guidance. She knows from personal experience what a great resource that can be.

“During my first voyage on the Disney Fantasy, the agent told me about a few staterooms on board that had extra-large windows. I never would have discovered this cabin on my own,” she told us.

You can reach Disney Cruises at 800-951-3532 or 888-325-2500 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

When you book your cruise directly through Disney, you can hold your reservation for up to 3 days without a deposit. Then you can confirm your reservation with a payment of (usually) just 20% of your cruise cost. The length of the cruise determines the date that your final payment is due — sailings up to 5 nights long require a final payment 90 days before the sail date, while cruises 6 nights or longer need to be paid in full 120 days before sailing.

Cancellation policies vary based on the specific itinerary.

Book Through a Travel Agent

Many people prefer to book Disney cruises through traditional travel agents. Finding an agent who specializes in Disney cruises is a great way to get personalized guidance when planning your vacation.

Even seasoned travelers love using travel agents to book Disney vacations since there can be many moving parts to keep track of. While booking a Disney cruise is more straightforward than booking a trip to a Disney park, many people still love using a travel agent to make things easy.

Online Travel Agencies

There are so many websites for booking cruises that it can be confusing to know which offers the best deals. We have found that most online travel agencies offer the same basic prices on cruises. The difference comes in the extras, like shipboard credit or bonus miles , that come with a booking. Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to book Disney cruises.

Costco Travel

Booking a Disney cruise through Costco Travel is great for Costco members. That’s because cruise bookings through Costco often come with a digital Costco Shop card as a bonus. The cruise price dictates the amount of the Shop card. For example, we found a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Disney Treasure (set to debut in December 2024) for 3 people in an oceanview stateroom with a verandah that cost $7,411.94 and came with a $590 Shop card.

Bookings made through Costco Travel can be confirmed with a deposit or can be paid in full at the time of booking. Cancellation policies vary by cruise itinerary.

Cruise.com is one of the only online travel agents that allows you to book Disney cruises online. Most other websites require you to book over the phone. We did multiple searches for different itineraries and found Disney cruises booked through Cruise.com were about $200 cheaper than booking directly through Disney Cruise Line. While this won’t always be the case, Cruise.com could be good for those looking to save money on a Disney cruise.

Bookings made through Cruise.com must be paid for in full at the time of booking. Cancellation policies vary by itinerary.

CruiseDirect

CruiseDirect also allows online bookings for Disney cruises. We found the prices to be identical to those found directly through Disney. However, there were often small extras included, like a $100 Visa gift card and a Walt Disney World official autograph book . These bonuses vary by itinerary and sometimes require a bit of work to receive (for example, you need to fill out a request form after your cruise to get the Visa gift card).

Be sure to read the details of these bonuses carefully. You can see a bonus offering 10% off shore excursions in this example, but that discount only applies to shore excursions booked through CruiseDirect, not ones booked through Disney Cruise Line.

Bookings through CruiseDirect can be confirmed with a deposit, and cancellation policies vary by itinerary.

Airline and Hotel Cruise Booking Sites

If you want to earn a big chunk of airline miles or hotel points with your cruise booking , you may want to look to an airline or hotel cruise booking site.

The good news is that you have the opportunity to earn lots of miles by booking a cruise this way. The bad news is that each of these websites charges a $24.99 booking fee on each reservation, and you need to call to make a reservation. While we usually don’t recommend sites that charge a booking fee, sometimes the miles you earn outweigh the booking fee.

• American Airlines Cruises : AAdvantage members earn 1x American Airlines miles (plus 1x Loyalty Points ), and AAdvantage credit cardholders earn an additional 1x miles on every cruise booked, with occasional additional bonuses offered. Call AA Cruises at 800-259-5642 to book.
• Delta Cruises : SkyMiles members earn 2x miles on cruises booked through Delta, plus bonus miles on select itineraries. Call Delta Cruises at 800-820-3244 to book.
• United Cruises: MileagePlus members can earn 3x miles on interior and oceanview staterooms or 4x miles on balcony staterooms and suites. United credit cardholders can earn up to 7x miles! Call United Cruises at 800-211-2039 to book.
• Marriott Cruise With Points : Earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy points (including taxes, fees, and other charges) on a cruise.

Book Through an Onboard-Only Offer

If you’ve ever cruised before, you know that there’s always an incentive to put a deposit down on your next cruise before you disembark. It can’t hurt to do this because if you end up taking the cruise, you get a discount. If not, the deposit is refundable.

If you’ve never been on a Disney cruise but have friends who will be on one and are planning to put a deposit down on their next cruise, they can secure a second room using the onboard-only offer . Then they can transfer that second reservation to you, and you get the onboard booking benefit (both parties must travel on the same sailing.)

I took advantage of this trick for an upcoming Disney cruise, and it saved me 10% (which was about $700 for a 7-night cruise!) Our friends put a deposit down on a second room while they were on their last Disney cruise, and then they transferred that second reservation to us. We ended up with a Disney Cruise Line booking with a 10% discount .

Onboard-only offers generally just require a $250 deposit, which is fully refundable until you choose a date for your cruise (then the cancellation policy for your specific cruise applies), so there’s not much downside.

To insure or not to insure, that is the question. But seriously, is insurance really necessary, and which policy is best? We answer these questions in our guide to cruise travel insurance .

If you want to save money, you may be wondering if you can book a Disney Cruise with points. The answer is yes, but your options are limited. Plus, unlike using points to book hotels and flights, there’s no opportunity to get outsized value when using points for a cruise.

Capital One Miles (Best Way To Book a Disney Cruise)

One of the easiest and best ways to book a Disney cruise with points is by using Capital One miles . Simply book your cruise (through any method) using a card such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , or Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card . Then use the miles in your account to redeem against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Capital One miles are easy to earn (many cards earn 2x miles on all purchases), so they are great for a wide variety of travelers.

Since this method doesn’t require booking through Capital One Travel , you can take advantage of any available sale or promotion, whether it’s directly through Disney or a traditional or online travel agency.

Disney cruises can’t be booked through AmexTravel.com , Chase Travel , or Citi Travel .

Alternative Ways To Book

There are additional ways to book Disney cruises with points and miles, although these don’t offer tremendous value. If you’re flush with points and really just want to go on a Disney cruise, then by all means, go for it. However, if your goal is to use your points and miles for the highest cents-per-point value, you may want to skip these.

You could book a Disney cruise with points through Marriott Cruises . This site allows you to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a discount on your cruise. While that’s great news, the not-so-great part is that you’d only get 0.4 cents per point , significantly less than the 0.7 cents we value Marriott Bonvoy points at.

Another option is to use United MileagePlus Miles via United Cruises . You’d only get about 0.7 cents per mile in value instead of the 1.2 or so cents per mile you could get using them for flights. While the value isn’t great, if you’d rather go on a cruise than fly somewhere, it could be worth considering.

Is the Disney Premier card the best option for booking a Disney cruise? Let’s take a look at it:

2% back Disney Rewards Dollars at Disney, gas stations, grocery stories, and restaurants means more rewards dollars for Disney fans.

Mickey and his friends are like part of the family. Your kids can recite the words to everything from Aladdin to Toy Story. And there’s no question where you’re going on Spring Break (Space Mountain, anyone?).

As a premier Disney fan, you always have the Disney ® Premier Visa ® Card on hand. It earns you cash back and discounts at Walt Disney World , Disneyland, and more.

• Save 10% on select purchases at shopDisney.com when you use your card
• Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or ESPNPlus.com
• Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney U.S. locations
• Does not earn transferrable rewards
• Has a foreign transaction fee
• Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com. Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney U.S. locations. Earn 1% on all your other card purchases. There are no limits to the number of Rewards Dollars you can earn.
• Redeem Rewards Dollars for a statement credit toward airline purchases.
• 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24% - 28.24%
• 10% off select merchandise purchases at select locations and 10% off select dining locations most days at the Disneyland ® Resort and Walt Disney World ® Resort.
• Save 10% on select purchases at DisneyStore.com
• Member FDIC
• APR: 19.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Disney Rewards

This card comes with the following benefits :

• 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
• 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars from purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations
• 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all other purchases
• 10% off select merchandise purchases on Disney Cruise Line
• 10% off a Castaway Cay Getaway Package
• Special vacation financing when purchasing through Disney Cruise Line

Alternate Credit Card Recommendations

While those earning rates aren’t bad, there are plenty of other cards that can match or exceed them. Consider the Capital One Venture card , which earns 5x miles on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2x miles on all other purchases . Plus, Capital One miles aren’t limited to Disney trips — they can be redeemed for any type of travel or transferred to hotels and airline partners .

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

Other good options would be cash-back credit cards . These cards earn cash-back rewards on all purchases, which can be used toward a Disney cruise, a trip to a Disney park, Disney gifts, or anything else. Multiple cards earn 2% cash-back or even 5% cash-back on everyday purchases, which could end up being more lucrative than using the Disney Premier card.

The Disney Premier card could be good for those who would rather save money for Disney trips than other types of travel, or it could make sense for those who want special financing arrangements. However, there are lots of alternatives that earn flexible points or cash-back that may offer a better return on everyday purchases.

If you’d like to earn lots of points by booking a Disney cruise (and who wouldn’t want that?), there are plenty of options.

Of course, you could pay with the Disney Premier card to earn 2% back in Disney Dollars. Alternatively, you could use a card that rewards travel purchases. These cards all earn 3x points on all travel, including cruises:

• American Express ® Green Card : 3x Membership Rewards points on travel
• Chase Sapphire Reserve ® : 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel
• Ink Business Preferred ® Credit Card : 3x Ultimate Rewards points on travel

Pay With Disney Gift Cards

A fantastic option that earns a lot of points is paying for your Disney cruise with Disney gift cards . These can be purchased at office supply stores or grocery stores — categories where you can easily earn 5x points or 5% cash-back.

Here are a few great options for purchasing Disney gift cards:

• Ink Business Cash ® Credit Card : Earns 5% cash-back at office supply stores (up to $25,000 in purchases per year)
• Chase Freedom Flex℠ : Earns 5% cash-back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 in spend per quarter); we frequently see supermarkets and office supply stores count as 5% categories with this card
• Citi Custom Cash ® Card : Earns 5% cash-back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent)

You can easily apply Disney gift cards to your online account as payment for a Disney cruise.

If you’re a first-time Disney cruiser, you’re probably wondering what to do before your cruise begins. Here are a few important things to remember before embarkation day.

Check In for Your Cruise

Complete your paperwork and check in for your cruise to get your boarding time. Check-in for first-time cruisers opens 30 days before setting sail. If you’ve sailed with Disney Cruise Line previously, you’re automatically a Castaway Club member and can check in earlier than first-time cruisers (you climb tiers based on how many Disney cruises you’ve been on, from 1 to 25 or more):

• Castaway Club Silver : Check-in 33 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Gold : Check-in 35 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Platinum : Check-in 38 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Pearl : Check-in 40 days before sailing.

Passports and Documentation

Double-check your specific itinerary’s document requirements. Some cruises require a passport, while others may not.

Book Shore Excursions and Extras

Be sure to book dining reservations, shore excursions, and any extras like Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservations early. The activity booking window for first-time Disney cruisers opens 75 days before sailing, while Castaway Club members get early access:

• Castaway Club Silver : Book activities 90 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Gold : Book activities 105 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Platinum : Book activities 120 days before sailing
• Castaway Club Pearl : Book activities 123 days before sailing

Disney Navigator Mobile App

We asked Disney Cruise Line for advice for first-time Disney cruisers, and their experts pointed us to the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app ( iOS or Android ).

“You will want to make sure you have the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app downloaded to your phone. From the comfort of your home, you can explore your ship, reserve cruise activities, and countdown to your vacation. Once on board, you can quickly access the daily activities, rotational dining details, and entertainment schedules. Consider it your ultimate guide to the magic!” Tracie M, planDisney panelist for Disney Cruises

Luggage Tags and Packing

Be sure to look out for your Disney Cruise Line luggage tags, which will be mailed to you about 60 days before your sailing. If you don’t receive them or forget them, the porters at the dock will have plenty of extras.

When packing for your cruise, don’t forget to include fun extras like costumes for onboard celebrations (like Pirate Night). Leave your rubber ducks at home, however. Disney Cruise Line recently banned the tradition of hiding them around the ships.

Check out planDisney for answers to any additional questions about booking a Disney Cruise.

Booking a Disney cruise can be intimidating if you’re not sure where to get the best deal. As we’ve detailed, there are lots of options that provide simplicity, while others offer extra perks — you can even use points to pay for your Disney cruise. On top of that, you can earn lots of points or cash-back by using a great travel rewards credit card.

Whether you’re booking your first Disney cruise or your fifth, we hope you enjoy the magic at sea!

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you book a disney cruise through costco.

Yes, Disney cruises are bookable through Costco Travel. The prices tend to be about the same as those offered through Disney Cruise Line, but bookings through Costco often come with a Costco Shop card as a bonus.

When is the cheapest time to book a Disney cruise?

The lowest prices on Disney cruises (not to mention the best availability) are usually found when booking as soon as an itinerary opens for sale.

Can you book a Disney cruise with points?

Yes! The easiest way to book a Disney cruise with points is through Capital One. You need to use a card like the Capital One Venture card to pay for your cruise. Then you can redeem your Capital One miles against your cruise purchase (within 90 days) at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also book Disney cruises with Marriott Bonvoy points or United miles at a rate that’s less than desirable.

When can you book excursions on Disney cruise?

First-time Disney cruisers can book excursions starting 75 days before sailing. Castaway Club members (anyone who has sailed on Disney Cruise Line previously) can book excursions 90 to 123 days before sailing.

How far in advance can you book Disney cruise?

New Disney Cruise Line itineraries are usually released about 15 to 18 months in advance.

Do Disney Cruises get cheaper closer to sail date?

Generally, no, Disney cruises don’t get cheaper closer to the sail date. In fact, prices tend to increase as the sailing date gets closer. While you may occasionally find a last-minute deal, it’s better to book as far ahead of time as possible.

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About Katie Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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These 10 tips for Disney Cruise first timers ensure a magical experience

I f you're reading this, you are probably getting ready to go on your first Disney Cruise or searching for tips on how to get ready for your first Disney Cruise. You may be researching and figuring out whether a Disney Cruise is right for you. You've come to the right place. 

I've been on seven Disney cruises with numbers eight and nine booked. Here are my best tips. 

Here are 10 things you need to know about how to get ready for your first Disney cruise

1. download the disney cruise line navigator app.

Go to iTunes or Google Play Store for the free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. Make sure everyone else in your travel party does the same. 

You'll use the app while preparing to cruise and board the ship. Once you embark, you'll be able to use the messaging feature to communicate with other members of your group, even if you don't purchase the onboard WiFi package. The app will also give you access to other onboard information, including entertainment schedules and dinner menus. 

2. Reserve onboard activities early

One of the reasons a Disney Cruise is so awesome is all  that is included . There are a few things you'll have to reserve in advance and a few extras you'll have to pay for that aren't included in the price of your cruise. These include spa treatments, shore excursions, and specialty dining, like Palo and Remy.

First-time Disney cruisers can book activities and special experiences 75 days out. You will want to book these activities at midnight Florida time on the first-day bookings are open for you. I know that sounds a little crazy, but everything fills up quickly. The higher Castaway Club levels and concierge level cabins will have an earlier booking window, so some things will already be full, even if you're an ultra-early bird. 

Packing for a cruise and feeling overwhelmed?  Here are 20 cruise packing checklists for you to check out!

3. Check-in early

You can check in online for your Disney Cruise 30 days before embarkation. Again, you'll need to check in at midnight Florida time, right at the 30-day mark. Early check-in means earlier boarding time and more time to enjoy the vacation you've paid for versus sitting in the port's waiting area. 

Boarding groups and port arrival times are staggered, so don't snooze on doing your online check-in.

4. Schedule the Character Call – Possibly the most fun part of getting ready for your Disney Cruise

You can schedule a free, pre-recorded call from a Disney character to generate excitement about your upcoming cruise or reveal the fact that there is a cruise in your family’s near future. This is fun…and no, Mickey and Minnie don’t talk back but this gets everyone pumped up about going on a Disney Cruise.

5. Record the moment you walk onto the ship

This might be a spoiler but I wish someone had told me this part. When you walk onto the ship for the first time, record your experience or ask the family ahead of you to do it. Or the family behind you. Just make sure the video is rolling because it's magical. 

When we stepped on board the ship, the Cast Member inside asked us our family’s last name. “Robbins,” we said without questioning why. I mean…it seemed like a simple enough question.

“ Please welcome aboard the Robbins Family .”

This was shouted into a microphone and all the crew standing nearby clapped and cheered as we crossed the threshold. I almost cried. This immediately set the tone for the entire cruise and now I know what it feels like to be visiting royalty.

6. Prepare to Party Like a Pirate

Most Disney Cruises include a pirate night. Pirate night includes special themed menus in the dining room, beloved Disney characters in pirate costumes, and on-deck entertainment. 

The pirate show has music, characters, and dancing. Disney's newest ship, the Disney Wish , has an 80's rock-themed pirate show but to date, the other ships have a good versus evil pirate show where Captain Hook tries to take over the ship and Captain Mickey comes to the rescue. Disney is the only cruise line that does fireworks at sea.*

One of the most fun things about the pirate night is seeing how many guests dress in pirate costumes. Disney Cruise Line also sells a variety of pirate costumes and accessories. 

*Alaska sailing does not have fireworks at sea and usually has a Frozen-themed  deck party instead of a pirate party.

7. Decorate Your Door with fun, decorations from Etsy

Shouting out loud and proud is fun on any cruise but the design of the Disney Cruise Line's magnetic stateroom doors gives you so many fun options. The round porthole design on the door is a fun space to decorate around. The door design on the Disney Wish is shaped differently so keep that in mind if you're ordering door decorations that rely on that round design. 

8. Join the Facebook group for your cruise

The odds are excellent that someone has started a Facebook group for the passengers sailing on your cruise. Find them by searching for the name of the ship and the date of the sailing. 

These are unofficial groups, usually managed by experienced cruisers, not by Disney. It's not unusual for the group admins to be travel agents or travel content creators. These are usually drama-free online gathering spots to ask questions and make friends with other passengers before your cruise. 

9. Learn About Fish Extender Gift Exchanges

Fish extender gift exchanges are unofficial gift exchanges organized by passengers. These are typically organized within the cruise's Facebook group. 

Fish Extenders are named for the small metal fish* outside stateroom doors that are used as a mailbox for any paperwork the cruise staff wants to distribute to you during your cruise. Most guests participating in a Fish Extender gift exchange will have some sort of Disney-themed handmade holder for other passengers to put their gifts in. If you don't want to make your own, Etsy sells them. 

*On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy , Fish is on the port side and Seahorses are on the starboard side, but the concept is the same.

10. Make a must-do list

Do you want to have a massage on the beach? Dine Palo? Take a selfie with Minnie Mouse in her pirate costume. There is so much on a Disney Cruise and the time will fly. Jot down a list of things you'll be disappointed not to experience. 

It's hard to do everything on a single cruise, so don't stress yourself out trying. 

9. Book your next cruise on board

Book on board and receive 10 percent off a future cruise. The deposit is minimal and you don't have to book your cruise or pick your date. Your $200 deposit can be applied against a future cruise that must be completed within the next two years. Make sure you read the fine print because some restrictions do apply. 

Disney Cruise Line doesn't offer a ton of sales or discounts so if you're having fun and see yourself doing another Disney Cruise in the next two years, booking the placeholder is pretty low risk. You'll get your deposit back if you don't book during the allotted time. 

Related post: Best Disney Cruise Tips

10. Don’t compare Disney to any other cruise line

I will tell you that a Disney Cruise will spoil you for any other cruise line. A Disney Cruise is an experience all its own. If you’re an experienced cruiser, you’ll have some insider info that will help you rock your first Disney Cruise. But, a Disney Cruise is just different. It’s special. It’s magical.

It’s like that crazy roller coaster ride where you get off, laugh, and immediately say “Let’s go again.” It’s just like that.

You might also like:

14 things that are awesome about a Disney Cruise

1o tips to help you get the most out of Castaway Cay

Ultimate Disney Cruise Pack List

The post These 10 tips for Disney Cruise first timers ensure a magical experience appeared first on Ripped Jeans & Bifocals .

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Booking & Reservations – Frequently Asked Questions

My family and I are having a great time on our Disney cruise and we’re thinking about taking another one. Can I book our next cruise on the ship?

Absolutely! You can book a future Disney cruise while currently sailing on board a Disney ship. All you need to do is log in to your account on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to book a placeholder reservation and pay the deposit. You’ll then have 24 months to select a specific date and sail on your future cruise. Once you’ve decided, contact the Disney Cruise Line Call Center at (800) 951-3532 to convert your placeholder to a booked reservation.

In addition, if you book a future cruise on board the ship, you will be eligible for a special sales offer. Details of this offer can be found during your cruise by scanning the QR code on the “Booking Your Next Cruise” poster located at Guest Services and Disney Vacation Planning.

Did you find this answer helpful?

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